Wednesday, November 7, 2012

news.casinolife

news.casinolife

Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases October 2012 Index

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 07:19 AM PST

LAS VEGAS NV After two consecutive months of increases, the AGEM Index declined in October 2012. The composite index reached 128.23, down 0.61 points, or 0.5 percent, when compared to the prior month. Overall, the sector remains somewhat volatile as the index has declined in five of the past 12 months, yet remains up 3.6 percent from the same month one year ago. Within the sector, global gaming operators reported mixed results during the month, with eight of the 17 reporting month-to-month increases in stock price. Above-average gains were generally reported by manufacturers traded on exchanges outside of the United States. Meanwhile, of the nine operators facing declines in stock prices, five fell by five percent or more.

The broader stock markets witnessed a similar directional trend during the month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average reported a closing price of 13,096.46, falling 2.5 percent since the end of September. The S&P 500 reported a 2.0-percent decline, falling from 1,440.67 to 1,412.16. Meanwhile, NASDAQ reported the greatest decline of the three; the market fell 4.5 percent from 3,116.23 to 2,977.23.

Selected positive contributors to the October 2012 AGEM Index included the following:

  • Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) reported a stock price of AUD$2.82, up 4.8 percent, and contributed 0.70 points to the index.
  • Konami (KNM) contributed 0.45 points to the index with a 2.0-percent increase in stock price to $23.10.

Selected negative contributors included the following:

  • With a stock price of EUR 16.55, which is down 3.3 percent, Lottomatica (LTO) contributed negative 0.98 points to the index.
  • SHFL Entertainment (SHFL) contributed negative 0.57 points, due to its 10.6-percent decline in stock price to $14.13.
  • The legalization of Internet poker continues to be the most talked about subject in the gaming industry as a number of companies continue to move through the licensing process. It is unlikely federal legislation will be passed this year to legalize online poker in the United States. However, some states, such as Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey, are in the process of allowing some forms of interactive gambling within their borders.

In June of this year, Bally Technologies (BYI) and International Game Technology (IGT) were granted the first online gaming licenses in Nevada. Throughout the remainder of the summer, the Gaming Control Board also issued licenses to South Point Poker LLC, Global Cash Access Holdings Inc. (GCA), SHFL Entertainment Inc. (SHFL), American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, PokerTrip Enterprises Inc., Monarch Interactive Inc. and WMS Industries (WMS). This month, three more licenses were issued to Boyd Gaming (BYD), Fertitta Interactive and Golden Nugget.

Based on their arrangements established back in October of last year, Boyd Gaming (BYD) plans to operate an online poker website with bwin.party; MGM Resorts International (MGM) maintains a similar arrangement. However, bwin.party must be licensed before the site is launched, which is not expected until early next year. Boyd Gaming expects to add 20 to 30 employees to its online poker team as a result of the expansion.

Fertitta Interactive, which includes the owners of Station Casinos and operators of Ultimate Fighting Championship, plans to launch its Ultimate Gaming site once the technology is approved. The company expects to expand from 26 to 100 employees by next year.

The Golden Nugget is planning to launch a site through its partnership with Bally Technologies. The site will be operated using Bally’s system, while the casino will provide the branding.

Major casino operators Caesars Entertainment (CZR), MGM Resorts International (MGM) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) have also submitted applications for online poker licenses; although, none have been approved as of yet. However, MGM Resorts believes it will soon be granted a license to operate its planned site with bwin.party and others are likely to follow suit.

This emerging sector within the gaming supplier segment of the market is expanding at a rapid clip and is expected to account for an increasing share of the overall gaming market in the years to come.

More information about AGEM and its growing worldwide membership is available at http://agem.org.

The AGEM Index The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) produces the monthly AGEM Index that comprises 17 global gaming suppliers throughout the world. A total of 12 suppliers are based in the United States and are listed on the NYSE, Nasdaq, or AMEX, while two trade on the Australian exchange, one supplier trades on the Athens exchange, one trades on the Milan exchange, and another trades on the Taiwan OTC exchange. The index is computed based on the month-end stock price (adjusted for dividends and splits) of each company and weighted based on approximation of market capitalization. Market capitalizations for manufacturers trading on foreign exchanges have been converted to US dollar-equivalents as of month-end for comparability purposes. The AGEM Index is based on a 100-point value as of January 2005.

About AGEM AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, and components for the gaming industry. The Association works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Through political action, tradeshow partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM and its member organizations have assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a positive business environment.

AGEM Index The AGEM index and overview is prepared by Applied Analysis (AA). AA is a Nevada-based advisory services firm providing consultation services for public and private entities. The company utilizes extensive experience in economics, information technology and finance to provide a wide range of services, including urban economic consulting, financial advisory services, market analysis, public policy analysis, hospitality industry and gaming consulting, and information system and technology consulting.

 

Genting Club Reading launches giving customers the chance to win £250,000

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:14 AM PST

Genting Club Reading has undergone a major transformation as a result of a multi million pound refurbishment. The casino, which has been operating from its Richfield Avenue location for 25 years, officially opens to the public on Friday 9th November 2012.

The casino has been completely updated with the addition of new facilities, which include a new premium restaurant and contemporary bar and lounge area, private VIP booths and a new dedicated entertainment area with performance stage.

The new-look club is being labelled 'the place to be in Berkshire' and the launch event is set to be a night to remember. Customers lucky enough to be attending the invitation only event will be treated to a host of entertainment including music throughout the evening from live performers plus sample a delicious range of canapés and tasting platters from our new Fahrenheit Grill menu. In addition, customers will each have the chance to win £250,000 by entering the prize draw on the night.

General Manager of Genting Club Reading Jimmy Howard said, 'The team are looking forward to welcoming customers to the premier leisure destination in the area. We have a fantastic party planned for our launch event, where customers will enjoy an electric atmosphere plus have the chance to win £250,000 by taking part in a number of different activities throughout the evening which will be sure to add excitement and anticipation for all guests. The club will offer customers an atmosphere unrivalled in the area, whether they want to eat, drink, play or socialise.'

The club will also feature interactive touch-tables, where customers can learn-to-play as well as  take part in other games, an improved poker area and an updated gaming floor with a variety of casino games including Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, Mahjong and electronic slot machines.

The new restaurant, Fahrenheit Grill, will offer a high quality menu in relaxed, contemporary surroundings. The restaurant name is inspired by the unique charcoal fired 'Josper grills' which can reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and will be used in the preparation of some of the dishes. The barbecue cooking method ensures flavours and juices are locked in to the ingredients to create a superior taste experience, a feature which will be particularly significant when cooking the 28-day dry aged 'Mathers Black Gold' steaks from the menu.

The Fahrenheit Bar will provide one of the most stylish and sophisticated drinking venues available in the area, offering a range of cocktails and an extensive list of quality wines by the glass and bottle.

 

 

Cantor Gaming(R) And Vertigo Enterprises, LLC Sign Agreement To Offer Cantor Gaming(R) Sports Wagering Accounts At Outpost Saloon

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:07 AM PST

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Cantor Gaming® and Vertigo Enterprises, LLC, dba  Outpost Saloon, have entered into an agreement that enables Outpost Saloon patrons to open a Cantor Gaming® sports wagering account at its location at: 2200 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.

Outpost Saloon patrons will be able to open a Cantor Gaming® sports wagering account as well as fund their account, withdraw funds and wager through their accounts on their Cantor Mobile Sports app and have the full suite of sports products offered within any Cantor Race & Sports Book®, including Better Odds Parlays™.   This allows Outpost Saloon patrons  to wager anywhere within the state of Nevada by using the Cantor Gaming® mobile sports wagering application on their Apple® or Android™ device, or on their personal computing devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones, with the recently launched Cantor Gaming® Wi-Fi enabled sports wagering solution.

Lee M. Amaitis, President and CEO of Cantor Gaming®, said: “Our innovative technology solutions, including our mobile applications, are paving a new era for sports wagering. We are delighted to partner with Outpost Saloon and offer their patrons an exciting, entertaining and convenient way to enjoy sports wagering.”

He continued:  “This agreement follows other recent similar expansion announcements by Cantor Gaming and demonstrates the popularity of on-the-go sports wagering with our easy to use mobile applications and Wi-Fi enabled solutions.  We look forward to continuing to deliver innovation in sports wagering throughout Nevada.”

Kirk M. McClymont, Managing Member of Outpost Saloon, said, “We are excited to extend the suite of entertainment options that Outpost Saloon provides to its valued customers.  By offering customers the opportunity to use Cantor Gaming’s state-of-the-art technology, including fund accounts, withdraw funds and wager through their accounts on the full suite of sports products available within any Cantor Race & Sports Book® is remarkable and I am confident this agreement will greatly enhance the customer experience.”

 

FROM BORDEAUX TO THE SEA, qpon cash™ TICKETING SOLUTION MAKING A SPLASH

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:37 AM PST

qpon cash™, SPIELO International's ticketing solution that offers a flexible tool for reporting, ticket issue, and redemption, has recently been installed in Casino Gujan Mestras, part of the SOCODEM Group, located in the south west of France close to Bordeaux. This new SPIELO International customer has also implemented the GALAXIS™ Star SLOTS™ accounting system.

qpon cash ticket printer

The systems went live at the end of August on 110 Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). qpon cash is a streamlined cashless payment system that offers convenience to both players and operators. Combined with Star MARKETING™, it becomes a cost-effective and efficient solution for promotional campaigns. With qpon cash, operators can easily perform filtering, scheduling, and monitoring to enhance casino marketing programs.

Star SLOTS is an advanced slot management system, providing efficient slot accounting and slot floor maintenance and delivering real-time access to high-quality slot floor data. It complies with the main regulations worldwide, covering the largest collection of slot business procedures in the industry.

"SPIELO International is delighted to be working with SOCODEM Group for the first time," said Didier Tomas, Regional Sales Manager for France and other French-speaking territories. "The Casino Systems project team is looking forward to cementing a long term partnership by providing systems solutions that enhance the player experience, promote customer loyalty, increase play, and ultimately enhance the casino's business."

Not only popular in land-based casinos, this summer Royal Caribbean International® (RCI)'s Mariner of the Seas® cruise ship casino also implemented the qpon cash cashless ticketing solution on 300 EGMs. RCI is one of the largest cruise ship companies in the world, and it has been a SPIELO International Casino Systems customer since 1999. The Mariner of the Seas on-board casino is already equipped with GALAXIS Star SLOTS accounting systems and Star MARKETING player management systems. RCI currently has 14 ships equipped with the GALAXIS range of casino systems solutions.

"RCI is so pleased with qpon cash that they are planning to deploy our ticketing solution on board seven more ships in their fleet, bringing the total to eight ships with qpon cash ticketing by 2013," said Virginie Bellaton, Regional Sales Manager for cruise lines and other European territories.

qpon cash offers a multitude of player benefits, such as ease of use, cleanliness, and easy movement from one slot machine to the next.  For operators, qpon cash also supports promotional ticketing, and can be used as a helpful marketing tool, while Star SLOTS provides flexible coverage of different international slot accounting operations processes.

 

Softmedia appoints PR & Marketing firm

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:29 AM PST

Softmedia, the Tallinn based leading turnkey provider of penny auction software platforms has appointed Isle of Man based PR & marketing firm, eMainstream Marketing Ltd to oversee its sales and marketing communications role out in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Konstantin Klugman CEO of Softmedia said: "Our business has been expanding internationally for a number of years' with more and more interest from high volume internet businesses looking to further monetize their web traffic and customer bases with proven auction software products. Our continued developments in the platform has made our company one of the leaders' in this field and has resulted in more new business opportunities from both mature and emerging markets not only because of our software and technical expertise, but our ability to offer affordable solutions to companies. We needed a partner that had experience in our areas of business growth and cultural approach of which eMainstream's team has those credentials."

"We are delighted to be working with Konstantin and Softmedia in what is an exciting time for their business, as both Estonia and the Isle of Man are internationally recognized locations for the provision of world class technology and expertise in the ecommerce sector" said Mark McGuinness, Managing Director of eMainstream.

 

WMS Gaming promotion for Mariano Mariño

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:26 AM PST

WMS is pleased to announce that Mariano Mariño, has been promoted to the position of Senior Director Sales, for Latin America. Since joining the company in 2000 as International Sales Manager and working out of the European office in Barcelona he has played a key role in the growth of WMS international working in Europe and South America. In 2007 Mariano relocated to his native country of Argentina where he has headed up sales for South America.

In his new role, Mariano will lead the sales team in the Latin American continent and Mexico to unite under one umbrella the 3 different teams covering the region.

Mariano will report to Jon Lancaster, Executive Director International Sales, who commented, "Mariano has been an integral and loyal part of the WMS team since 2000 and has been a key contributor to the growth of WMS in the international markets. His professional leadership of the South American team since he moved there in 2007 has helped grow WMS into one of the leading suppliers in the region.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Mariano has been promoted to now head up all sales activity for South and Central America and Mexico. His knowledge of the markets, language skills  and relationships with the customers will help further strengthen WMS's already strong and growing position in the entire region and I am excited that he will be leading this team"

www.wms.com

 

Gaming Support announces new corporate visual identity

Posted: 06 Nov 2012 03:15 AM PST

Rotterdam, The Netherlands  November 06, 2012  Gaming Support announced the launch of a new global company visual identity that reflects the significant transformation of the Gaming Support business over the past twelve and a half years.

At the heart of the new company identity is a re-designed logo, appearing in capital letters, complemented by a tricolored visual image with strong connections to both the infinity symbol and the lucky number 8. The logo will appear on all corporate publications, printed materials, the corporate website (gamingsupport.com), and will be used worldwide.

"Gaming Support has evolved significantly during the past twelve and a half years," stated Lucien van Linden, CEO of Gaming Support. "When I started the business back in May 2000, we employed 30 people and were focused solely on providing service support to Holland Casino. Today, we employ over 100 people on three continents, are probably now Europe's leading casino signs manufacturer, we've created the casino industry's best media system to broadcast the excitement and joy of players winning, and have a range of other innovative products and services developed to improve floor performance. Our new identity communicates our three business pillars – Signs, Systems, Services – in a way that better reflects who we are today and the company we aim to be tomorrow."

The tricolored visual image reflects the three business pillars of Gaming Support – Signs, Systems, and Services. The infinity image reflects how Gaming Support is always in touch with casino players through its continuous support work for all 14 casinos operated by Holland Casino. The infinity image also emphasizes that Gaming Support makes best use of the operational experience it gains from this continuous Services work to create and make innovative Signs and Systems solutions for casinos and gaming halls worldwide.