ICE 2012
future. It can handle up to ten currencies, which in European and Asian markets would be a big boost.
“The BPS C1 could sit at the cash desk,
count rooms in smaller casinos… The machine does have a LAN connection on it, and also you can have two tellers using the same machine, so you can switch between users. It’s a very clever, flexible device.”
Online was a big part of everyone’s ICE, and
outside the online section of the hall, the big names in gaming were realising that there was great value in their game libraries. Dan Savage, Vice President Marketing, Bally, explained to CI: “Last year was the year of the cabinet introduction, the Pro Series, the iDeck; this year we’re adding to our portfolio the internet games, we have about 14 games online that we’re showing, as well as the mobile apps. About six months ago we purchased a company called MacroView, and they’ve been making our casino apps, for 20 or so casinos globally – the Bellagio, MGM, et cetera. We’re getting into that B2B relationship with casinos a little deeper; we’re not looking at targeting players directly, we’re trying to offer casinos solutions for when internet gaming comes live in North America, and how we’re going to offer our assets in Europe, for example.” On the slot floor, the star of the show was the Michael Jackson slot, closely followed by another evergreen license, Grease. Both look absolutely terrific even on a slot floor as crowded as ICE; watch out for their impact in casios worldwide this summer. As Dan said, “Michael Jackson is probably the biggest licence we have ever purchased; it’s a big summer release for us.” That may prove to be one of the show’s understatements.
GPI’s message was simple: RFID is not just about security, it’s about efficiency on your casino floor. Nicole Grauzer, Marketing Manager, GPI, told us: “Operators are often looking for ways to save money and to bring more players into the casino to increase revenues. Our RFID Poker Solution is a good example of a way RFID can be used to generate revenue, as Poker is so popular here in Europe. Poker Solution actually works in both ways, allowing the casino to save on manual processes that may involve error, and improve player experience too. By using RFID-enabled chips, the system will automatically calculate the pot at all times during the hand, and at the end of the hand it calculates the casino rake. So the dealer no longer has to sit and count the pot, or make potential errors working out the rake. There are more rounds per hour too, because it saves so much time. This year what’s new is our optional progressive, which is an incrementing jackpot the player can win based
46 MARCH 2012
on whatever hand is predetermined. So if they get a Straight Flush, for example, and the jackpot is nice and high, it’s a good perq for the player as well. It can be linked on multiple tables or just one; we’ve installed it at the Sun Casino in Monaco quite recently, with around eight tables. They have one of the most reputable poker rooms in Europe, so that’s exciting for us.” We’re sold. GPI has many other
product developments too, which we’ll go into in a future issue.
Crane Payment Solutions had, for the first time, all of its brands on a single stand, and it made for an impressive sight. Last year you may remember that the acquisition of Money Controls had only happened a month or so before the event, so MC were on their own stand; this year the company presented a united front, and a line-up of great product for visitors.
Of course, Money Controls’ Ardac Elite and
the CashCode one bill acceptors took centre stage. Ardac Elite, says CPS, is the first and only field-proven imaging bill validator. State of the art imaging technology and a four-way barcode reader allows customers to insert barcode tickets in any orientation, increasing acceptance rates and user satisfaction. It has established an excellent reputation, particularly in the demanding environment of casino gaming, where any breakdown or poor acceptance rates can be very costly. The Ardac Elite’s state of the art imaging technology ensures the highest standard of validation. By simply plugging in a PDA via the USB port, an image of the last note inserted can be displayed. CashCode one boasts a universal design to accept all currencies; one single hardware platform to reduce support and operation costs, and flexible architecture with multiple options and configurations. CashCode one also has advanced sensor technology which scans both sides of the bill, optimising recognition. Its self-centering transport guides adjust automatically to perfectly align bills or barcodes of different widths, even when fed in at an angle. The CashCode One also comes with oneCheck cash management and accountability solution
FutureLogic are gradually repositioning themselves as a gaming solutions provider, says Annette Jauch, Sales and Marketing Manager, EMEA. “At this year’s ICE we are launching two
new systems products that really highlight FutureLogic’s new aim in gaming. Instead of being a hardware supplier or printer supplier, FutureLogic now aims to be a gaming solutions provider. Our core product is obviously still our printers, but we have accessory products to support the printer range. “We have PromoNet, which we showed in Las
Vegas, which we are now really launching in Europe; starting in the second quarter of 2012, we will have field trials in place for that here in Europe, so we’re really pushing into the market. It has GLI and BMM compliance approval so the time is right for that product. As you are probably aware, PromoNet is a promotional couponing system designed for use in casinos. “We are also launching a ticketing product for the AWP market as well, called Ticket2Go. It’s geared for the street market, smaller arcades, pubs and bars, service stations and the like. One key benefit is there is no need for a network, or additional power as it draws it from the machine.” “The product portfolio on display at ICE this
year clearly underlines FutureLogic’s intent to play a dominant role in all gaming markets”, added John Edmunds, FutureLogic’s Vice- President International Markets. “It highlights the company’s transition from a printer supplier to a solutions provider.”
GLI’s big story was their new mobile application, available through the App Store, which allows the regulator to take the lab with them on the gaming floor on tablet or iPhone. If you have the app, you can customise your entire experience, and take the lab everywhere with you. You can search advisories, certifications, everything right from the floor, by type, jurisdiction or status. You can also check the latest advisories, so you know you’re looking at the latest updates and everything for your devices and systems. A simple idea but when you combine it with their GLI Access suite, it becomes pretty special. More on this in
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