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four slots.We did different types of slots, we had a jackpot game, a freespin game, we had variety because nobody knew for certain what would work. Everybody said you have to have poker, but it turns out it’s not the most popular game for a VLT.” Unlike traditional casino slots or AWP machines, the VLT market is not driven
by licensed product, though Inspired and WMS are combining to bring one of WMS’ most cherished products to the market, Monopoly. Martin is confident they will do well, as it’s not a license bought solely for use in Italy, and it is not dependent on a hit film or star: “We’re going to be doing Monopoly with WMS
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which may well be the first branded game into the VLT market; premium licenses work very well in some casinos but on the street market you have to take a brand people understand and are familiar with. Monopoly is a good gaming brand, it’s a board game and people equate it to gaming.We’re also launching Bruce Lee in Italy but it’s a theme not a brand as such. Licensed games can work well in street markets, but many of our own non-licensed games, such as Treasure Island, are very popular with Italian players and we have proven in all the street gaming markets we operate in that it's all about having the best mix of games to cover all entertainment tastes. That's why operators choose our open platform."
SPIELO International explains it all
The first approved vendor to the Italian VLT market, SPIELO International has been in the market from the beginning and installed the first countrywide jackpot on their VLT system, as well as growing in North America and with an eye on Greece. The Lottomatica VLT network’s WAP jackpot
comprises one of the world's largest networks of VLTs connected together on a jackpot. Victor Duarte, Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, SPIELO International spoke to us about what is needed to achieve a successful gaming environment for VLTs. Q: What regulatory framework needs to be in place in a jurisdiction for VLT product to be suitable to that market? What technology needs to be in place for an operator or jurisdiction to be able to benefit from VLT machines?
A:Anin-depth,detailedsetofregulationsmustbesetup,taking intoaccountbothsecurityindistributedenvironments,aswellas therequiredtechnologicalcomplexitythatisbehindtheunique
playerexperienceaVLTsystemsoffers.Theframeworkcanbe dividedintotwocategories:regulatoryneedsandcommercial considerations.
Before VLTs can be put in place, the following regulatory
requirements should be addressed: • All aspects of the VLT program should be certified, with controls on all of the system’s different components. These mandatory checks should be performed either by the jurisdiction or a trusted 3rd party in order to earn certification;
• Full central control of each individual machine, with the possibility of remote shut down when necessary;
• Reliable online connection on a dedicated and protected network; • Clearly defined venue requirements (e.g. credit checks, retailer has clean criminal background, etc.);
•Well-defined, appropriate Responsible Gaming features to facilitate informed choice by players, such as: on-screen educational material about gaming, allowing players to set time and budget limits, and automatic cashout once the limit is reached.
• Clearly defined product requirements, such as support for standard protocols. For example, using open protocols, such as the Gaming Standards Association’s (GSA) game to system (G2S) protocol for communication between the gaming machine and the system, encourages the introduction of new technology. SPIELO International’s central system, INTELLIGEN, was the first ever to
receive G2S product certification, meaning that the G2S protocol has been implemented exactly the way GSA intended.
From a commercial point of view, operators should consider: • Establishing clearly defined taxation methods, as each component of the value chain needs to fully understand what is required of them and how they are to be compensated;
•Warranty repairs by certified technicians or third parties, with penalties for non-compliant fixes;
• Smooth procedures for updating software features (including new games), to be verified by the appropriate regulatory body after installation;
• Fair and transparent pay-outs, to appeal to players who are used to casino-type experiences;
• Attractive jackpots, leveraging wide-area progressive technology; • The ability to leverage titles from other gaming channels (e.g. casino, iGaming) to appeal to regular gamers where appropriate. That said, as a matter of policy, SPIELO International develops content specifically for the VLT marketplace, developing and testing games on a regular basis with VLT players around the world. Our library includes a variety of proven performers appealing to VLT player segments.
All of the above considerations must be thoroughly tested and sound
from a technological standpoint. Solid technology is definitely a key success factor when establishing a VLT program, and the jurisdiction must choose distribution partners that can show a proven track record of developing and managing systems of this complexity. With more than 20 years of experience deploying systems globally, SPIELO International is the most experienced supplier of end-to-end VLT solutions in the world with an offering comprised of top performing games and proven software and hardware. Q: What are the key benefits to operator, regulator and government with a VLT setup?
A:IfaVLTprogramiswelldistributed,professionallyrun,and attractiveintermsofprizesandplayerexperience,playerswill
consistentlychoosethisoption.Thisisadoublewin,asnotonly willlegaloperatorsseeanincreaseinrevenues,butthegrey marketswillbediminished.
Theregulatorhasthebenefitoffullcontrol.Theycan evaluatemarketconditionsandreactquickly,withthehelpofthe technologicalpartnertoimplementrequiredchangesefficiently andseamlesslyviathecentralsystem. Thegovernment,aswellastheregulator,willseeastrong
riseinrevenuereclaimedfromillegalactivities,whichallowsthem
tousetheseproceedsforthebenefitoftheirpopulation.The playersbenefit,notonlyfromtheexcitementofthenewgames, butalsofromknowingtheyareenjoyingafair-playexperience withplayer-drivenResponsibleGamingoptions.
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF THE AMUSEMENT AND STREET GAMING INDUSTRY
APRIL 2013
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