Euroslot-JUL-AUG09-PG06-11:Layout 1 02/07/2009 09:16 Page 6
INDUSTRY NEWS www.euroslot-online.com
Ludlow applauds
increase
L
egislation which governs the use of UK Category C
amusement with prizes (AWP) machines, including
those in pubs, changed last month.
From 10 June both the maximum stake and prize limits
increased from 50p and £35 to £1 and £70 respectively.
Operators are extremely enthusiastic about the
change, which could open up gaming to a whole new
genre of player and help proactive licensees make more
money from their machines.
Andrew Ludlow, managing director of Games Media,
specialists in the provision of digital gaming and
entertainment solutions for pubs, said: “This increase is
what the industry has been seeking for some considerable
time and we need to embrace it. The ability for the
Eurocoin gets top marks from Bern
consumer to have a wider choice of staking options
coupled with increased payout percentages will deliver a
far more compelling proposition.
“It is also a chance for digital gaming technology to really
G
rand Casino Bern recently announced its decision to award Eurocoin top marks at its annual
vendor assessment.
shine in comparison to analogue. Digital operators can provide
Nathalie Redon, Divisional Sales Manager for Eurocoin is the account director for The Grand
access to a variety of new product innovations reflecting the
Casino Bern and was delighted with the recognition Eurocoin had received “We are not simply a
new stake and prize levels on day one to all terminals. Our
distributor”, she said, “there is a great deal of value added in our processes. We always try to work
customers will see the benefit instantly, which is something
extremely closely with our customers and react quickly and efficiently to their needs, and are
the analogue model simply cannot deliver.”
always delighted when these efforts are recognised by our clients””
Games Media is developing a range of content
The Kursaal Bern hotel, often referred to as ‘city within a city’ is the only establishment in the
specifically with £1/£70 levels in mind that sets out to
city with a casino and The Grand Casino at the Kursaal Bern, has 12 tables and 265 slot machines.
deliver an improved playing experience and greater
Director of Grand Casino Bern, Christian Aumuller, said “We are very thankful for the positive
gaming choice, while also providing pubs with the
and successful cooperation that Eurocoin has given us and we are looking forward to a successful
marketing material they need to promote it.
future collaboration with them”
Cashino grows with another six sites
T
he development of the Cashino brand of Adult Gaming Centres has taken a further step forward with the
announcement that parent company Praesepe plc had added six sites through the acquisition of the entire
share capital of Issue Depth Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary, Classic Leisure (Northern) Limited for a
total consideration of circa £1.5 million, excluding fees.
The sites are located in two clusters in the North East and North West of England. The acquired sites
generated revenue of £1.4 million and underlying EBITDA of £0.3 million in the year to 31 July 2008. The net
assets of the acquired business as at 31 July 2008 amounted to £0.5 million.
The acquired sites provide Praesepe with approximately 260 gaming machines across locations that enjoy a
strong competitive market position and will add scale to the Group’s existing operations. Further investment will
take place for site rebranding and refurbishment in line with the market leading standards established by Cashino
and the installation of new gaming machines which will take place over the remainder of the calendar year.
Nick Harding, CEO of Praesepe, said: “The sites fit nicely into our Cashino estate and will begin contributing
immediately to the bottom line. There is also significant scope for operational development and revenue growth
as we upgrade the machine estate to take advantage of the anticipated increase in Category C stakes and prizes.
As we continue to successfully integrate new sites like this into our Cashino estate we are increasingly able to
leverage our central fixed cost base to provide greater returns on capital. When viewed in conjunction with our
new openings on greenfield sites, this acquisition means that we have increased the number of Cashino venues
by 30 per cent since making our first acquisition last year.
“There is no doubt that the success of any low stake high volume gaming business is greatly dependent on
scale and critical mass. As the market matures, the larger operators will attract and retain a greater proportion of
new customers with their ability to sustain significant capital expenditure programmes, promote a
common brand across a number of platforms, develop brand loyalty and acquire the latest
technology direct from manufacturers. This acquisition is the next step in the implementation
of the company’s strategy.”
6
JULY/AUGUST 2009
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