Friday, October 26, 2012

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news.casinolife

Mega Excitement as First Million-dollar IGT MegaHits™ Jackpot Hits at Delaware Park

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:28 PM PDT

 

 

 

LAS VEGAS   Oct. 25, 2012  A lucky winner in Delaware has more than a million reasons to celebrate as she wins the first million dollar IGT MegaHits™ jackpot. Elissa Y. won $1,453,960.86 on Wednesday, Oct. 24 on the Wild Sapphire MegaHits™ machine at Delaware Park in Stanton, Delaware.

IGT's MegaHits™ wide area progressive (WAP) jackpot game is a multi-state link available through a partnership with the Multi-State Lottery Association, IGT and the lotteries in Delaware, West Virginia and Rhode Island. This interstate progressive’s starting jackpot resets to $100,000.

"It is a remarkable and exciting time for both the player and IGT as we award our first MegaHits™ jackpot and she became a new millionaire," Tim Shortall, IGT vice president  of Eastern Region Sales. "IGT has been creating millionaires since 1986, when we introduced our first wide area progressive, Megabucks™. Ever since then, players have loved the life-changing jackpots these types of games offer. Congratulations to our newest winner."

We were thrilled that one of our Delaware Park Player Rewards customers won the grand prize jackpot," said Delaware Park President Bill Fasy. "MegaHits is an exciting game and popular with our customers. The grand prize jackpot is already ticking back up, and I'm sure that after this big win, even more people will want to try their luck at Delaware Park. This was a great testament to our belief that winning is always in play at Delaware Park."

MegaHits™ is a wide area progressive jackpot that includes smaller progressive awards that hit frequently. It is available as a penny or three-coin dollar game, which requires the maximum bet of $3 to be eligible to win the top prize. Game themes  on the link include IGT’s popular Emerald Sevens™, Triple Ruby Riches™, Reel Gold™ and Wild Sapphires™ and feature a local, four-level progressive plus the WAP top award.

About MUSL The Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) is a non-profit, government-benefit association owned and operated by its member lotteries. Each MUSL member offers one or more of the games administered by MUSL. All profits are retained by the individual lotteries and are used to fund projects approved by the legislature authorizing each lottery. More information is available atwww.musl.com.

About the Casino at Delaware Park Delaware Park is a multi-faceted gaming facility offering guests live seasonal Thoroughbred racing, year-round simulcasting from around the globe, live table games, a 25-table poker room and 20-table dedicated tournament room, 2,500 exciting slot machines on two spacious levels, pro football sports parlay betting and White Clay Creek Country Club, featuring a world-class 18-hole championship golf course. Delaware Park is located minutes south of Wilmington and the Delaware Memorial Bridge and just north of the Maryland state line on I-95 at exit 4B. For more information on Delaware Park, visit www.delawarepark.com.

About IGT International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and continues to transform the industry by translating casino player experiences to social, mobile and interactive environments for regulated markets around the world. IGT’s recent acquisition of DoubleDown Interactive provides engaging casino style entertainment to more than 5 million players monthly. More information about IGT is available at www.IGT.com or connect with IGT at @IGTNews or www.facebook.com/IGT. Anyone can play at the DoubleDown Casino by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/doubledowncasino or www.doubledowncasino.com.

 

BALLY TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REPORTS RECORD FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2013 DILUTED EPS OF $0.77, UP 71 PERCENT FROM PRIOR YEAR

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:21 PM PDT

WIDE-AREA PROGRESSIVE INSTALLED BASE GROWS 94 PERCENT AND SETS RECORD QUARTERLY REVENUE; CASH CONNECTION™ INSTALLED BASE INCREASES TO 1,216 UNITS

GAMING EQUIPMENT REVENUES INCREASE 28 PERCENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES NEW $150 MILLION SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM; COMPANY REPURCHASED $67 MILLION WORTH OF STOCK SINCE JUNE 30, 2012

INCREASES FISCAL 2013 DILUTED EPS GUIDANCE TO $3.05 TO $3.35

 

LAS VEGAS, October 25, 2012 — Bally Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BYI), a leader in slots, video machines, casino management, interactive applications, and networked and server-based systems for the global gaming industry, today announced record first quarter diluted earnings per share ("Diluted EPS") of $0.77 and revenue of $235 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.

"Our first quarter fiscal 2013 results continue to reflect the success of our expanded game studios, our new technology platform, and our successful execution on a number of other initiatives, including the entrance into new markets," said Richard M. Haddrill, the Company's Chief Executive Officer.  "We expect continued growth from each of our businesses as both our visibility and our customer partnerships are at remarkable levels, and we continue to identify new growth opportunities.  Further, the Bally showing earlier this month at the Global Gaming Expo ('G2E') was the best in our company's history."

"This week, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a new $150 million share repurchase program, replacing our existing program under which we had repurchased approximately $127 million of common stock, including $67 million of stock repurchased at an average price of $44.22 per share during the first quarter,"  said Neil Davidson, the Company's Chief Financial Officer.  "The new repurchase program allows us to continue to support our capital-deployment strategy and reflects our continued confidence in Bally's long-term growth plan and ability to consistently generate free cash flow."

Additionally, the Company's leverage ratio remains comfortably below 2.0 times, which leaves the Company's share repurchases unrestricted under the terms of its credit agreement.  This quarter represented the 20th consecutive quarter the Company has repurchased its common stock.

"The first quarter was momentous as we shipped our first Video Lottery Terminal ('VLT') units to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, as well as initial Video Gaming Terminal ('VGT') units in Illinois," said Ramesh Srinivasan, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer.  "We are pleased with the feedback we received from customers earlier this month at G2E, where we showcased a significantly expanded game library and premium titles, such as NASCAR® and Pawn Stars™, and additional content for the Elite Bonusing Suite™.  We remain confident in our growing for-sale content and in the performance of our wide-area progressive ('WAP') products including GREASE™ and Michael Jackson King of Pop™, and now our newest title, Betty Boop's™ Fortune Teller, which yet again drove record quarterly gaming operations revenues and gross margin."

First Quarter Fiscal Year 2013 Highlights

Three Months Ended September 30,
2012 % Rev 2011 % Rev
(dollars in millions, except per share amounts)  
Revenues:  
Gaming Equipment   $ 82.7   35 % $ 64.4   33 %  
Gaming Operations   101.2   43 % 85.0   44 %  
Systems   51.3   22 % 45.6   23 %  
Total revenues   $ 235.2   100 % $ 195.0   100 %  
                     
Gross Margin:                    
Gaming Equipment (1)   $ 39.2   47 % $ 28.4   44 %  
Gaming Operations   70.1   69 % 60.7   71 %  
Systems (1)   39.5   77 % 34.5   76 %  
Total gross margin   $ 148.8   63 % $ 123.6   63 %  
                     
Selling, general and administrative   $ 64.5   27 % $ 57.2   29 %  
Research and development costs   25.1   11 % 23.4   12 %  
Depreciation and amortization   5.6   2 % 5.6   3 %  
Operating income   $ 53.6   23 % $ 37.4   19 %  
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 78.8       $ 59.1        
Diluted EPS   $ 0.77       $ 0.45        

(1)      Gross Margin from Gaming Equipment and Systems excludes amortization related to certain intangibles, including core technology and license rights, which are included in depreciation and amortization.

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,
2012 2011
Operating Statistics                
New gaming devices           4,608   3,399
New unit Average Selling Price ("ASP")               $ 16,853   $ 16,624

 

 

            As of September 30,  
            2012   2011  
End-of-period installed base:                  
Linked progressive systems           2,251   1,181  
Rental and daily-fee games           14,971   14,466  
Lottery systems           12,040   8,418  
Centrally determined systems           39,192   48,125  

Highlights of Certain Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Overall

Total revenue increased 21 percent to a first-quarter record $235 million as compared with $195 million last year.

  • Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, including share-based compensation), a non-GAAP financial measure, increased 33 percent to a first-quarter record $79 million as compared with $59 million last year.
  • Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") declined to 27 percent of total revenues from 29 percent last year.  SG&A increased $7 million primarily due to an increase in payroll to support key new markets.
  • Research and development expenses ("R&D") decreased to 11 percent of total revenues compared to 12 percent last year, with revenues continuing to grow faster than R&D expense growth.
  • Operating income increased 43 percent to a first-quarter record $54 million compared with $37 million last year.  Operating margin increased to 23 percent from 19 percent last year.
  • Diluted EPS increased 71 percent to a first-quarter record $0.77 from $0.45 last year.

Gaming Equipment

Revenues increased 28 percent to $83 million as compared with $64 million last year, driven by higher domestic replacement sales, the shipment of 670 units to the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, and initial shipments into the Illinois VGT market.

  • ASP of new gaming devices, including lower-ASP VLTs and VGTs, increased slightly to $16,853 per unit from $16,624 last year, primarily as a result of the mix of Pro Series™ cabinets sold in the quarter.
  • New-unit sales to international customers were 16 percent of total new-unit shipments.
  • Gross margin increased to 47 percent from 44 percent last year, primarily due to mix and cost reductions on certain models of the Pro Series line of cabinets.

Gaming Operations

  • Revenues increased 19 percent to a record $101 million as compared with $85 million last year, driven primarily by 94 percent growth in the installed base of WAP games, as well as previously placed games at Resorts World Casino New York City which opened in late calendar 2011.
  • Gross margin decreased to 69 percent from 71 percent last year, primarily due to higher jackpot expense.

Systems

  • Revenues increased 13 percent to $51 million as compared with $46 million last year.
  • Maintenance revenues increased 17 percent to a record $21 million as compared with $18 million last year.
  • Gross margin increased to 77 percent from 76 percent last year, primarily as a result of the change in mix of products.  Specifically, hardware sales were 26 percent of systems revenues, and software and service sales were 34 percent, as compared to 28 percent for hardware and 33 percent for software and services in the same period last year.

Fiscal 2013 Business Update The Company increased its fiscal 2013 guidance for Diluted EPS to a range of $3.05 to $3.35.

The Company has provided this range of earnings guidance for fiscal 2013 to give investors general information on the overall direction of its business at this time. The guidance provided is subject to numerous uncertainties, including, among others, overall economic and capital-market conditions, the market for gaming devices and systems, changes in gaming legislation, the timing of new jurisdictions and casino openings, the timing and completion of new systems installations, competitive product introductions, complex revenue-recognition rules related to the Company's business, and assumptions about the Company's new product introductions and regulatory approvals.  The Company does not intend and undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, including forecasts, potential opportunities for growth in new and existing markets, and future prospects for proposed new products.  Accordingly, the Company does not intend to update guidance during the quarter.  Additional information about the factors that could potentially affect the Company's financial results included in today's press release can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

New Share Repurchase Program This week the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $150 million share repurchase program.  The shares may be repurchased in such amounts as management deems appropriate in light of prevailing market and economic conditions, alternative uses of capital, restrictions under the Company's debt obligations, regulatory requirements, and other factors. In implementing its repurchase program, the Company may utilize a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block trades, accelerated share repurchase transactions, or any combination thereof.

Purchases may be made on a case-by-case basis or on a non-discretionary basis in a manner designed to comply with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 and/or Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock. The program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and has no set expiration date.

Bally and IGT Settle Patent Litigation Bally and International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT) announced today they have entered into a Settlement and License Agreement that will end their pending patent litigation in the case styled IGT v. Bally Gaming Int'l, Inc., Civil Action No. 1:06-cv-00282-SLR (D. Del.).  As part of the settlement agreement, Bally Technologies will obtain a patent license to IGT's bonusing portfolio under confidential terms and will dismiss its counterclaims with prejudice.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures The following table reconciles the Company's net income attributable to Bally Technologies, Inc., as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), to Adjusted EBITDA:

Three Months Ended
September 30,
2012 2011
(in 000s)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax $ 32,532   $ 20,392    
Interest expense, net 3,473   3,273    
Income tax expense 18,429   11,853    
Depreciation and amortization 21,319   20,209    
Share-based compensation 3,021   3,392    
Adjusted EBITDA $ 78,774   $ 59,119    

Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure used by the Company's management and by some industry analysts to evaluate the Company's ability to service debt, and is used by some investors and financial analysts in the gaming industry in measuring and comparing Bally's leverage, liquidity, and operating performance to other gaming companies.  Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to operating income or net cash from operations as determined in accordance with GAAP.  Not all companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA the same way, and the Company's presentation may be different from those presented by other companies.

Earnings Conference Call and Webcast As previously announced, the Company is hosting a conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. EDT (1:30 p.m. PDT). The conference-call dial-in number is 888-396-2384 or 617-847-8711 (International); passcode "Bally".  The webcast can be accessed by visiting BallyTech.com and selecting "Investor Relations." Interested parties should initiate the call and webcast process at least five minutes prior to the beginning of the presentation. For those who miss this event, an archived version will be available at BallyTech.com until November 25, 2012.

About Bally Technologies, Inc. With a history dating back to 1932, Las Vegas-based Bally Technologies designs, manufactures, operates, and distributes advanced technology-based gaming devices and systems worldwide, as well as interactive and mobile solutions.  Bally's product line includes reel-spinning slot machines, video slot machines, wide-area progressives, and Class II, lottery, and central determination games and platforms.  Bally also offers an array of casino management, slot accounting, bonusing, cashless, and table-management solutions.  Additional Company information, including the Company's investor presentation, can be found at BallyTech.com. Connect with Bally on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

 

HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO MANAGE NEWLY ANNOUNCED THE PROVENCE CASINO/HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN PHILADELPHIA

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:39 PM PDT

October 25, 2012 Philadelphia  Hard Rock International, owner of one of the worldʼs most iconic brands, with interests in cafes, hotels, casinos, and live venues throughout the world,announces an agreement with Bart Blatstein and Tower Entertainment, LLC to manage the first destination casino/hotel in downtown Philadelphia. The proposed casino/hotel project, to be named "The Provence", will be located on North Broad Street."We are thrilled to be working with Tower Developments on this project," said Jim Allen,Chairman of Hard Rock International. "We look forward to bringing years of casino experience to downtown, with many on the executive team having Philadelphia roots.

Jim Allen Chairman of Hard Rock International

The state-of-the-art venue will provide world-class entertainment with the convenience of the downtown location."The new project will also be a boost to the local economy. "The multi- faceted amenities of this unique resort and casino complex will make it a regional tourism attraction that will push the prosperity and boundaries of Center City north on Broad Street," said Bart Blatstein, President and CEO of Tower Developments.Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rockʼs current Hotel and Casino properties include two of the most successful resort casinos in the United States, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, both in Florida.

Recent expansion has brought the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Hard Rock Hotel brand to Panama and two properties in Mexico. Hard Rock International also has licensed Hotel and Casino properties in Macau, Las Vegas and Biloxi, as well as a portfolio of standalone hotels and destination resorts operating throughout North America and Asia.The project is contingent on Tower Entertainment, LLC being awarded the appropriatelicenses and obtaining financing.

About Hard Rock International With a total of 178 venues in 55 countries, including 139 cafes and 18 Hotels/Casinos, HardRock International is one of the world’s most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago,San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore, Punta Cana, Panama, Cancun and Vallarta. Additional hotel and casino projects planned to open include Riviera Maya in 2013 and Abu Dhabi in 2014. Additional announced hotel and casino projects include Aruba, Hungary, Northfield Park, Shenzhen and Haikou. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc.

For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visitwww.hardrockhotels.com.

For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

FutureLogic Partners with Resort Advantage to Enhance the Jackpot Payout Process

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 10:01 AM PDT

 

GLENDALE, CA — October 25, 2012— FutureLogic, Inc., the world's leading developer of innovative ticket printing & couponing solutions, announces a new partnership with Resort Advantage, the recognized innovation leader in FinCEN and IRS compliance solutions for the gaming industry. Integrated with Resort Advantage's mobile jackpot payout processing solution, Slots Jackpot Accelerator™ (SJA), FutureLogic's GEN2

Nick Micalizzi VP of Sales and Marketing North America at FutureLogic Inc

Universal™ / GEN3 Evolution® dual port printers and PromoNet® promotional couponing solution now offer instant access to both promotional coupons and jackpot payout documents directly at the gaming machine linked to real-time game play. This combination greatly enhances the experience of each winning patron and reduces the manual effort required by the floor, cage, and compliance personnel to process jackpot payouts, enhancing the player experience and giving the property a unique customer service advantage.

"We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Resort Advantage to bring enhanced capabilities and provide significant cost savings to our customers.", said Nick Micalizzi, VP of Sales and Marketing, North America at FutureLogic, Inc. "Casino operators will now be able to instantly recognize and reward jackpot winners and other high-value players at the game and provide the necessary documentation to keep players playing, enhancing their experience and encouraging a return visit to the casino."

"As properties look to gain competitive advantage through the enhancement of their patrons' gaming experience, we saw the integration of Slots Jackpot Accelerator™ with FutureLogic's gaming printers as a great opportunity to expedite the jackpot payout process by making a copy of their IRS form and payout receipt available right at the machine," states Brian Ferrilla, Managing Director of Resort Advantage.  "The casinos benefit by getting patrons back to gaming quickly, minimizing the paperwork required by the cash cage and floor staff, which further reduces jackpot payout processing costs."

About FutureLogic, Inc. Founded in 1983, FutureLogic is the leading developer of innovative ticket printing and couponing solutions to gaming technology providers and operators around the world. As the premier supplier of super-robust thermal ticket printers to the global gaming industry, FutureLogic has shipped more than 1.5 million printers for casino gaming, video lottery, AWP, LPM, SWP and kiosk applications worldwide. Headquartered in Glendale, CA and with offices across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, FutureLogic's sales and engineering teams are ready to provide direct support and local knowledge for manufacturers and operators around the world. For more information or to contact us, please visit futurelogic-inc.com.

About Resort Advantage As the makers of the award-winning Title 31 Accelerator™, Slots Jackpot Accelerator™, SAR Workflow Accelerator™ and Incident Report Accelerator™ suite of compliance applications, Resort Advantage continues to lead the gaming industry with its innovations.  Resort Advantage's Complete FinCEN / IRS Compliance Solution has set the gold standard for FinCEN and IRS compliance management and reporting as the solution of choice for the most prominent casino properties in North America.  For more information, visit  www.resort-advantage.com

 

RANK GROUP LAUNCHES X FACTOR MOBILE GAME

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 08:20 AM PDT

 

 

 

Gaming-based entertainment specialist, The Rank Group, is launching an exclusive new mobile version of the popular X Factor online slot game. The game is available across the Rank Group online brands – meccabingo.com, grosvenorcasinos.com and bluesq.com, and is exclusive to the Rank Group brands in 2012. It goes live today (Thursday, 25 October 2012).

The HTML5 game will sit in the mobile games portals for all three Rank Group brands and will be accessible on iOS, most Android and some Blackberry devices.

Says Simon Woolf, Head of Mobile at Rank Interactive, The Rank Group's online arm:" The X Factor brand has resonance across a wide age and demographic profile so is relevant to all our online

Simon Woolf Head of Mobile Rank Interactive

businesses.  We are launching the exclusive mobile version now to run in parallel with this year's X Factor TV competition, taking advantage of the high brand awareness and extensive media coverage the TV show generates.

"Producing these games exclusively in the mobile environment gives customers the chance to interact with our brand across multiple channels."

The Rank Group is planning to launch further exclusive X Factor products in the next few months.

 

Finnplay provides Mirage Games platform

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:49 AM PDT

 

 

Finnplay formerly known as Digient, the Finnish Gaming Boutique software provider, which specializes in affordable and customized gaming solutions has provided the customers gaming platform for Mirage Games of Belgium.

Martin Prantner CEO of Finnplay said: "This is a very exciting time for Finnplay to be working with Mirage Games in the recently regulated Belgian Market and we are delighted that their business has selected to use our gaming platform which will enable Mirage to deliver superior products and services and respond rapidly to local market requirements as well as allowing integration into various 3rd party best of breed game verticals."

Raymond Vanhoenacker, CEO of Mirage Games, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Finnplay, whose Finnish heritage and gaming expertise is synonymous with quality, advanced technology and business integrity, which are key factors for our business as we will be the first legal operator offering mobile games to the Belgian players which is a key differentiator for us.”

Finnplay (formerly known as Digient): Founded in 2008, Finnplay is a privately-owned Finnish Gaming Boutique software development company, which specializes in affordable and customized gaming solutions for the online and mobile gaming industry. Company Website: www.finnplay.com

About Mirage Games Raymond Vanhoenacker has been involved in gaming companies since 1956. Starting from juke box to  arcade games and vending machines on the Belgian market. Miragegames is based on a pool of 6 land based gaming rooms active since 15 years.

Miragegames.be is now moving to lead the Belgian market on mobile gaming and is developing dice games specifically designed for the Belgian market. Website: www.miragegames.be

 

APEX A Great Choice in Germany

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 03:01 AM PDT

APEX is increasing in popularity with operators in Germany. This trend was registered at the recent exhibitions.This growing interest as APEX being a true alternative in the German AWP market was confirmed at these exhibitions. APEX held either its own exhibitions or participated at partner exhibitions in six different German states this autumn. The latest developments and products were presented to the operators in a relaxed atmosphere so each visitor has the chance to see the further developments in both hardware (cabinets) and software (games).

Udo Nickel, Sales Director of APEX Germany at the autumn local exhibition in Forstinning

The entire cabinet family was on proud display – the upright Pinnacle, the slant-top Pinnacle SL, the wall-machine Pinnacle WM and the Dual Slim Line upright. The two proven games packages 'Magic Classic' and 'Hot Magic Fruits XXL' were joined by the new games package 'Super Magic 30' – which was a real hit. The bars and pubs market has a choice of two ideal products – the Pinnacle WM or the Dual Slim Line upright. These were of particular interest at Automatenvertrieb Saar in the state of Saarland. The tenth anniversary of NEOX was an ideal opportunity for customers in Rheinland-Palatinate to learn more of the latest successes of APEX in Germany. APEX was also active in northern Germany at Automaten Discount Nord in Seevetal (just south of Hamburg). Further exhibitions took place in Pliezhausen (Baden-Württemberg), the APEX German headquarters in Forstinning (near Munich, Bavaria) and Dresden (Saxony) at Wenzel-Entertainment.

Many operators commented on the ideal product segmentation: the 'Magic Classic' games package is predominantly played by ladies whereas 'Hot Magic Fruits XXL' is preferred by men. The latest games package 'Super magic 30' that is currently under approval at the PTB will surely add gaming fun and excitement for both male and female players.

APEX Germany has broken the commercial mould by offering their AWPs for sale (including both cabinet and games package). Thus, APEX is creating such opportunities for operators to advance to the next level, allowing operators to increase their own equity and providing them with more flexibility and freedom. Naturally operators may also rent or lease the APEX AWPs.

Mr. Udo Nickel, Sales Director of APEX Germany, concludes, "Our AWPs are being welcomed more and more as the true alternative in the German market. We have successfully adapted our products to the German culture and are very excited about future prospects".

 

 

SBTech partners with Sheriff Gaming to add state of the art 3D games to its portfolio

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 02:00 AM PDT

 

EINDHOVEN, 18th OCTOBER 2012 – Sheriff Gaming, the innovative provider of 3D games to the online gaming industry, has today announced that it has signed a strategic partnership with leading sports betting software provider of flexible turnkey solutions – SBTech.

Sheriff Gaming’s 3D slot games will add yet another dimension to SBTech's portfolio, which already boasts more than 200 games.  As the gaming industry continues to rapidly evolve, providing players with the best interactive experience is key which is why 3D games are growing in popularity. Movie quality graphics and animations, unique and engaging storylines, and also fast-loading, smooth running technology are just a few of the game qualities that SBTech's customers can expect from this latest agreement.

The games are also multi-lingual and multi-currency which will enable SBTech to offer customers a fully managed portfolio of live, mobile, online, live dealer and retail betting products combined with its established turnkey risk management and trading service. 10Bet is the first operator, powered by SBTech, who added Sheriff Gaming 3D portfolio to its casino lobby offering with the urge to provide its punters with ultimate casino experience.

“We have been pushed by our top sports betting operators to provide them with premium, high quality casino content of live games and slots on top of the sports betting platform and we are delighted to have Sheriff Gaming as our strategic partner,” said SBTech CEO Itai Zak. “By offering Sheriff Gaming's 3D games via the SBTech platform we provide our clients with easy access to a further increased portfolio of excellent gaming content via a single integration.” commented Itai.

Eric Roskamp at Sheriff Gaming commented, “We are very excited to be able to offer our suite of games via SBTech's platform. SBTech has emerged as one of the leading sports betting providers and this partnership will provide us with access to its impressive customer list of top bookmakers, gaming operators and all their players."

About SBTech: Established in 2007, SBTech is a leading provider of interactive sport betting solutions and services to traditional and regulated markets. The complete offering includes innovative, dynamic and highly customized suite of turnkey and fully managed online, mobile and offline solutions which push the interactive betting industry into frontiers.

About Sheriff Gaming Sheriff Gaming has been creating the most advanced animated 3D slots and table games for the online gaming market since 2009. Licensed by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, Sheriff Gaming enables its licensees to offer their players a different kind of gaming experience thanks to creative plots, unparalleled graphics and advanced technology that creates an immersive and interactive experience that captures the player’s attention and imagination.

We believe the Sheriff Gaming products speak for themselves and our games are available to demo here and at www.sheriffgaming.com

 

TAILOR-MADE SOLUTIONS FOR ITALY FROM SUZO-HAPP

Posted: 25 Oct 2012 01:06 AM PDT

The ENADA Rome was an ideal venue for the Suzo-Happ Group to yet again demonstrate its passion for providing innovative, tailor-made solutions. Between 17th and 19th October, the Suzo-Happ team attended the exhibition in strength at the Comestero booth – Suzo-Happ's long-standing Italian partner.

René Huibers, Lou Rudolph and Harald Wagemaker of Suzo-Happ

The new comma 6a ruling will see the requirement of additional AWP security as all AWPs will have to be connected to the finance ministry similar to the Comma 6b VLTs. These new stipulations will best be carried out by newly developed and manufactured AWPs. The Suzo-Happ team together with local partner Comestero is very close to this market and has invested heavily in research and development to create the right solutions.

Two such solutions stood out at the ENADA.

Firstly, the new electro-mechanical locking system is the perfect solution to comply with the new regulations. In future only registered personnel will be able to open the AWPs. Such personnel will have to contact the finance ministry for permission to open the AWP. The decision to open the AWP is then made by the finance ministry itself so they need the ability to online activate the locking system to enable this. The new Suzo-Happ electronic lock has been designed especially to bring this requirement to life. The finance personnel can press a button whose signal then automatically opens the lock. The Suzo-Happ lock includes a second mechanical lock. If for any reason the online connection fails, the finance personnel has the ability to attend the machine to open it him or herself.

The second innovation is the further development of the Suzo-Happ Flow Hopper according to the new AES protocol. The Flow Hopper is the perfect response to coin pay-out management. The new red coloured bowl symbolises the new AES protocol and is aligned to the Comestero AES coin-handling range. The Flow Hopper is available is a wide range of bowl sizes.

Mr. Harald Wagemaker, Sales Director of Suzo-Happ EMEA, looks back on an extremely successful exhibition, stating, "Our long-term partnership with Comestero is once again bearing fruits. Together we are in a special position to develop the highest security solutions that satisfy changing market requirements. Our willingness to invest in new technology was applauded on all sides. The Italian gaming market is a perfect example of how Suzo-Happ is prepared to develop local solutions with long-standing market knowledge and a unique product range".