Wednesday, September 11, 2013

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news.casinolife

The Social Gaming Association to join forces with the International Social Games Coalition to create a unified industry voice for the social games community

Posted: 10 Sep 2013 08:35 AM PDT

 

 

10 September 2013 (London, UK) – The Social Gaming Association and the International Social Games Coalition are pleased to announce the merger of their respective organisations to create a unified international voice to educate the public and policy makers on the social games industry and to represent and further the interests of the industry.

The newly consolidated organisation, to be named the "International Social Games Association" ("ISGA"), will represent social games companies worldwide, from established global operators to up-and-coming start-ups.

The ISGA will provide a powerful and effective voice for the global social games industry at a time when many changes in the way people access, play and pay for games are taking place. In this context, the ISGA's core objectives will be to educate and inform the public, policy makers and regulators on what the industry does, how it works, and the value it generates for the digital economy.

The ISGA will work to develop and promote a unified set of socially responsible values to its members aimed at safeguarding the consumer whilst also protecting the dynamic and innovative nature of this popular form of entertainment.

The ISGA's members will benefit from greater support from an enlarged leadership team combining each respective organisation's Executive Boards, with Luc Delany appointed as CEO and current Chairman of the Social Gaming Association, Stuart Tilly, appointed as a Non-Executive Board Advisor.

The merger was welcomed by Paul Mathews, currently chairman of the International Social Games Coalition and of the new ISGA: "I'm pleased to be able to announce that our two groups are joining forces – we're looking forward to representing the great work done by social games companies around the world together," Mathews said. Stuart Tilly added further: "The merger between our respective organisations is a continuing sign of the industry's commitment to advancing its socially responsible agenda and the ISGA will give the industry a solid and powerful platform to do so."

Andrew Hughes, founder of AbZorba Games said: "This merger demonstrates the importance that our industry places upon working together, no matter how big or small, to provide a collective and unified voice to represent this vibrant industry."

 

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Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) Releases August 2013 Index

Posted: 10 Sep 2013 08:16 AM PDT

 

 

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwired – Sep 10, 2013) – The AGEM Index reported a month-to-month increase for the second consecutive month in August of 2013. The composite score was 180.30, up 3.07 points (+1.7 percent) when compared to July of 2013 and up 57.61 points (+46.9 percent) when compared to the same month a year ago. The index has reported month-to-month declines in just two of the past eight months. In the latest reporting period, 10 of the 18 global gaming suppliers reported monthly increases in stock price. Of the eight operators that reported declines, only one was down by more than 10 percent. Note, the AGEM Index now incorporates the performance of Crane Co. (CR), an industrial products manufacturer, whose operations also include software, online solutions, and gaming payment tools.

The AGEM Index increased in August while broader stock markets did not fare as well, with each witnessing month-to-month declines. NASDAQ reported the least decline among broader indices, falling 1.0 percent from the end of July to 3,589.87. The S&P 500 fell 3.1 percent to 1,632.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average witnessed the greatest monthly decline of the three, falling 4.4 percent to 14,810.31.

Selected positive contributors to the August 2013 AGEM Index included the following:

  • Ainsworth Game Technology (AGI) reported a stock price of AU$4.06, up 12.8 percent, and contributed 1.13 points.
  • With a stock price of AU$4.52 (+4.2 percent), Aristocrat Technologies (ALL) contributed 0.92 points.

Selected negative contributors included the following:

  • Crane Co. (CR) contributed negative 1.16 points, due to a 5.7-percent decline in stock price to $57.41.
  • Intralot S.A. (INLOT) reported a stock price of EUR 1.51, down 12.7 percent, and contributed negative 0.26 points.

A number of the gaming equipment manufacturers continued to report positive earnings in the latest reporting period while consolidation has emerged for a few manufacturers. Selected results are noted below.

WMS Industries (WMS) reported net revenues of $202.8 million in its fiscal fourth quarter of 2013, up 3.5 percent from the same period a year ago. The latest performance is primarily attributable to a 32.8-percent increase in gaming operations revenues. However, the increase was offset by a 10.3-percent decline in product sales revenues, which fell to $119.4 million. Although new unit shipments to the U.S. and Canada increased 1.5 percent year-over-year and new unit shipments to international markets increased 39.4 percent, used unit shipments declined 66.2 percent. Total unit shipments fell 12.7 percent to 7,698; the average sales price per new unit fell 3.4 percent to $15,443. WMS Industries is in the process of being acquired by Scientific Games.

Bally Technologies (BYI) reported a 7.6-percent increase in net revenues to $264.4 million during the company’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2013, due to substantial increases in gaming operations revenues and systems revenues. Gaming operations revenues increased 9.7 percent to $102.8 million, due to a 38-percent increase in the installed base of WAP games. Meanwhile, systems revenues increased 31.8 percent to $72.9 million, partially attributable to a 25-percent increase in maintenance revenues. Gaming equipment revenues declined 8.4 percent to $88.7 million, primarily attributable to fewer casino openings. New gaming devices declined 7.7 percent to 4,911, while the new unit average selling price fell 5.6 percent to $16,224.

Net revenues for SHFL Entertainment (SHFL) increased 16.0 percent during the company’s fiscal third quarter of 2013 to $73.5 million. Each revenue source reported increases from the same period a year ago, with electronic table systems revenues reporting the greatest year-over-year increase of 78.8 percent. Electronic gaming machines revenues increased 16.1 percent to $23.2 million due to increases in placements in Asia and the average selling price. Utility revenues witnessed the least year-over-year increase, rising 5.2 percent to $25.6 million. The latest performance is attributable to an 11-percent increase in shuffler sales.

On August 27, 2013, Bally Technologies’ proposed acquisition of SHFL Entertainment moved one step closer to completion. The companies announced the completion of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Act of 1976 without the Federal Trade Commission raising any concerns. The transaction is still awaiting approval from SHFL’s shareholders and the necessary regulatory agencies.

The AGEM Index
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) produces the monthly AGEM Index that comprises 18 global gaming suppliers throughout the world. A total of 13 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.

AGEM Membership Roster

AGEM Gold Members:

  • Ainsworth Game Technology
  • Aristocrat Technologies
  • Aruze Gaming America
  • Austrian Gaming Industries
  • Bally Technologies
  • Global Cash Access (GCA)
  • GTECH S.p.A.
  • International Game Technology (IGT)
  • Intralot S.A.
  • Konami Gaming
  • Multimedia Games
  • Scientific Games Corporation
  • SHFL Entertainment
  • Video Gaming Technologies (VGT)
  • WMS Gaming

AGEM Silver Members: Action Gaming, American Gaming Systems (AGS), Casino Technology, Gaming Partners International, JCM Global, MEI, Merkur Gaming GmbH, Ortiz Gaming, Suzo-Happ Group, TCSJohnHuxley, Wells-Gardner Electronics and Zitro.

AGEM Bronze Members: Abbiati Casino Equipment, Alfastreet, Astro Corp., Bingotimes Digital Technology, Cadillac Jack, Cammegh Limited, Cantor Gaming, CastNET, Cole Kepro International, Crane Payment Solutions/ CashCode/ Money Controls, Diamond Game, Euro Games Technology (EGT), Galaxy Gaming, Gaming Support, Glory Global Solutions, Incredible Technologies, Inspired Gaming, Interblock USA, ISMS, Iverson Gaming Systems, JPM International, Jumbo Technology, Matsui Gaming Machine Co., Modern Gaming, Patriot Gaming & Electronics, Quixant Ltd., Reel Games and Table Trac.

AGEM Associate Members: 3M Touch Systems, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Advantech-Innocore, Arrow International, Atrient Inc., BBIN, British Group Interactive (BGI), Brown & Brown Insurance of Nevada, Camryn Industries, Carmanah Signs, Casino Enterprise Management, Cooper Levenson, Cybertec Gaming Systems, Daktronics, Digital Instinct, DiTronics Financial Services, DynaGraphic Printing, Eastsign International Limited, Elite Gaming Technology, Esterline Interface Technologies, Eurocoin, Flextronics, Fox Rothschild, FutureLogic, Gaming Capital Group, Gary Platt Manufacturing, Gemaco Inc., Genesis Interactive Technologies, GeoComply USA Inc, Global Experience Specialists (GES), Global Gaming Group (G3), Grand Products Nevada, Greenberg Traurig, Hanco Technologies, Howard & Howard, IDX, Impact LCD, Intel, International Network in Advance Gaming (INAG), IPS, James Industries, JCS Technologies, KEY-BAK, Kontron, Leap Forward Gaming, Lewis Roca Rothgerber, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, Lincoln Industries, Litemax Technology, Metalcraft, Outpost Creative, Phelps Dunbar, Portwell, Proforma GPS, Rainmaker, Reel TV, Regulatory Management Counselors (RMC), Renewable Creative, Rye Park Gaming, SCA Gaming, Southwest Manufacturing Solutions, Spin Games, Strategy9, StylGame USA, Talent Associates, The Bright Group, Tournament One, TOVIS, TransAct Technologies, Union Gaming Group, Veridocs, Wrex Products and Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO).

                             
                             
AGEM   Exchange: Symbol   Stock Price At Month End   Percent Change   Index
(Currency)   Aug-13   Jul-13   Aug-12   Prior Period   Prior Year   Contribution
Ainsworth Game Technology   ASX: AGI (AU$)   4.06   3.60   2.35   12.78   72.77   1.13
Aristocrat Technologies   ASX: ALL (AU$)   4.52   4.34   2.66   4.15   69.92   0.92
Astro Corp.   Taiwan: 3064 (NT$)   38.30   37.40   38.50   2.41   (0.52)   0.02
Bally Technologies   NYSE: BYI (US$)   72.13   71.68   44.29   0.63   62.86   0.11
Crane Co.   NYSE: CR (US$)   57.41   60.90   37.99   (5.73)   51.12   (1.16)
Daktronics, Inc.   Nasdaq: DAKT (US$)   10.69   10.88   9.56   (1.75)   11.82   (0.05)
Gaming Partners International   Nasdaq: GPIC (US$)   8.26   8.51   6.07   (2.94)   36.08   (0.01)
Global Cash Access   NYSE: GCA (US$)   7.70   6.99   7.67   10.16   0.39   0.31
GTECH S.p.A.   MILAN: GTK.MI (EUR)   21.27   20.84   16.56   2.06   28.44   0.34
IGT   NYSE: IGT (US$)   18.89   18.47   12.29   2.27   53.70   0.68
INTRALOT S.A.   ATHEX: INLOT (EUR)   1.51   1.73   0.93   (12.72)   63.24   (0.26)
Konami   NYSE: KNM (US$)   21.90   22.04   23.06   (0.64)   (5.03)   (0.12)
Multimedia Games   Nasdaq: MGAM (US$)   39.24   34.99   15.67   12.15   150.41   0.84
Scientific Games Corporation   Nasdaq: SGMS (US$)   14.29   13.63   7.33   4.84   94.95   0.36
SHFL Entertainment   Nasdaq: SHFL (US$)   22.77   22.75   15.17   0.09   50.10   0.01
Transact Technologies   Nasdaq: TACT (US$)   8.88   9.09   7.17   (2.31)   23.85   (0.01)
Wells-Gardner Electronics   AMEX: WGA (US$)   1.90   1.94   2.19   (2.06)   (13.24)   (0.00)
WMS Industries   NYSE: WMS (US$)   25.70   25.75   15.93   (0.19)   61.33   (0.02)
                  Change in Index Value   3.07
                  AGEM Index Value: July 2013   177.23
                  AGEM Index Value: August 2013   180.30
         

 

 

 

 

 

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NOVOMATIC acquires Eurocoin

Posted: 10 Sep 2013 05:32 AM PDT

The NOVOMATIC Group is proud to announce another ground breaking acquisition in the Dutch gaming and entertainment market. NOVOMATIC's wholly owned subsidiary Novo Gaming Netherlands has acquired 100% of the shares of Eurocoin Gaming and AWP-design.nl.

Thomas Graf CTO NOVOMATIC

Eurocoin Gaming is the single source in Holland for Bell-Fruit video and reel based gaming machines and the clear leader in the single site market. Through this recent acquisition, NOVOMATIC plans to further strengthen its foothold in the Dutch market and at the same time to offer its valued customers more product diversity from its renowned brands JvH, Errel, Eurocoin, Bell-Fruit, Astra and NOVOMATIC.

Paul Strikers, Managing Director of Eurocoin Gaming, comments: "We are happy and proud to further support Dutch operators with the famous Bell-Fruit product. Together with NOVOMATIC we expect to provide premium quality service and state-of-the-art products and innovations to the Dutch gaming market. As such we will make sure our customers get access to best-of-breed Group game content across all distribution channels. Our new team will ensure that Dutch operators will discover new sources of revenue via new and innovative products which will open up new revenue streams and at the same time significantly grow the current customer base.”

Thomas Graf, CTO of NOVOMATIC, commented: “Eurocoin is the leading force in the Dutch gaming supply chain with a market share of up to 80 percent in the pub market and a growing presence in the arcade sector. Eurocoin Gaming shares our ambitions; a continuous drive for innovations and being the best in our areas of business. Furthermore, Eurocoin Gaming has a huge historical library of successful games that will also be made available to the future online gaming market in the Netherlands once it becomes fully regulated.”

Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH (AGI) a 100-percent subsidiary of NOVOMATIC AG (www.novomatic.com) is an integrated global gaming company specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of electronic gaming machines and advanced technology products. As Europe’s leading manufacturer AGI delivers one of the broadest product ranges in the industry.

The NOVOMATIC Group is one of the biggest producers and operators of gaming technologies and one of the largest integrated gaming companies in the world. The group employs more than 19.000 staff worldwide (2,700 in Austria). Founded by entrepreneur Prof. Johann F. Graf, the group has locations in 43 countries and exports high-tech electronic gaming equipment to 80 countries. The group operates more than 215,000 gaming machines in its about 1,400 plus traditional and electronic casinos as well as via rental concepts. Part of the group is also Admiral Sportwetten GmbH, Austria’s leading sports betting operator with more than 200 outlets as well as the Vienna based online gaming specialist Greentube Internet Entertainment Solutions GmbH.

 

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All Slots Casino boosts mobile portfolio with three new releases

Posted: 10 Sep 2013 03:28 AM PDT

 

10 September 2013 (Ta Xbiex, Malta) – All Slots Casino, one of the world's longest established online casinos, unveils three new mobile slots including the five-reel, 40-line game Pure Platinum.

All that glitters is not gold on the shiny new game Pure Platinum, as players can boost their wealth with a choice of free spins and bonus multiplier combos. A simple mobile slot game with a classic feel, it offers an opportunity for players to quadruple winnings by correctly guessing the suit of a mystery playing card in the 'gamble' bonus feature.

Players on mobile devices can also now put the pedal to the metal on classic 5-reel driving themed slot game 5-Reel Drive, with Wild and Scatter features, and hit the open road as a winner.

On the third new release, three-reel slot Couch Potato, players don't have to work hard to have fun, and may even find a £75,000 jackpot between the cushions!

All three of the new HTML5 titles will be available on the online casino's app in the iOS UK App Store as well as on other mobile and tablet devices.

All Slots Casino is rapidly growing its mobile portfolio after releasing three mobile-optimised slots – Big Top, Break da Bank Again, and Lion's Pride – just last month.

"We are delighted by the response our mobile games have received," David Brickman, Vice President of Player Relations said. Players have already shown a desire to play across all devices, and we are confident that this will only increase as we continue to bring out new and exciting mobile games."

The latest treble-release follows All Slots' unveiling of a new personalized gaming experience, which allows players to continue sessions seamlessly across desktop, tablet and mobile platforms.

New players who sign up to All Slots Casino are also entitled to a phenomenal 500 free spins, on their choice of three slots – Tomb Raider™ – Secret of the Sword, Starlight Kiss or Gold Factory. Players can access this offer via mobile, tablet or desktop.

About All Slots Casino Established in 2001, All Slots Casino offers top value entertainment with its wide array of exciting casino games and a generous bonus program. Developed and powered by Microgaming, All Slots Casino is available in both Download and Flash versions, and its Mobile casino is compatible with nearly every device, including the iPhone, iPad, Android-based devices and BlackBerry. All Slots Casino is licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta and is accredited by eCOGRA and prides itself on fair play and fast payouts. For further information, visit www.allslotscasino.com

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