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THE NETHERLANDS – CASH SUPPORT REPLACE HESS The casino Redemption Terminal sector has a new name on the market with Cash Support BV being set up in The Netherlands to fill the void created by Hess Cash Systems’ decision to focus on its core banking sector.
After cordial negotiations with Hess, Martin Grandia from REAC in the Netherlands has bought the rights to all proto- cols and technical information to enable a new entrant to appear in the casino voucher/card Redemption Terminal (VRT) market. Cash Support is developing a new VRT called CTM-ONE to offer around Europe and the world, this time free from any constraints and with no need to fit in with a wider portfolio - Erik de Kat will heading the marketing and sales department.
Along with Mr. Grandia, Cash Support will boast a familiar name to the casino sector in Erik de Kat, who was the sales director of Hess Cash Systems’ gaming division for more than 10 years. Hess’ main business has always been cash handling, and their voucher/card Redemption Terminals (Scorpion) can be found all over Europe and the world, help- ing customers change TITO tickets and Smartcard credits into cash without the need for a visit to a manned cash desk.
VRTs have never been the core part of Hess’ business how- ever, with the banking sector being where they have always maintained their focus. With this in mind, Hess has taken the decision to move away from the casino sector and its unique demands to focus on the areas they are best placed to oper- ate. Mr. de Kat said: “While Hess is a fantastic operator, there is always the issue of focus. With the casino market being a tiny part of what Hess offers worldwide, I felt that there was a better way to service the casino market and I’m delighted to be able to develop this product specifically targeted at casi- nos, using our 20 years of specific experience to make sure it ticks all the boxes a casino operator might need.”
Servicing has traditionally been somewhat difficult for the casino VRT machines, again, from a global perspective, the small size of the sector makes it difficult to offer a dedicated servicing solution. However, once again Cash Support will be in a great position to make sure sales are followed up with well tuned servicing arrangements, and Mr. de Kat is in posi- tion, with Hess’ blessing, to take over servicing of all existing Hess casino equipment as well as new sales of his CTM-ONE product.
PORTUGAL - GANG TARGETING CASINOS CAUGHT Portugal’s National Counterterrorism Unit has arrested six gang members who carried out at least a dozen armed kid- nappings on casino customers leaving Estoril and Lisboa casinos. Aged between 23 and 29 years, most with a history of petty crimes and all from Lisbon, the group is suspected of kidnapping, aggravated robbery, injury and criminal associa- tion. They followed their victims attacking them either on their way home or once they had reached their abodes. At least one of the victims was known to have won a significant jackpot in Grand Lisboa before being targeted. The gang is thought to have carried out its first crime in May on a Chinese man, followed after playing in the Estoril Casino to home.
The Counterterrorism Unit carried out ‘Operation Casino Royal’ which required more than two dozen search warrants and six arrest warrants. They believe that more victims may now come forward.
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HIPPODROME BUYS CRYSTAL ROOMS
Praesepe has confirmed the sale of the Crystal Rooms Adult Gaming Centre to the neighbouring Hippodrome Casino UK - Operations
Following an adjustment of its business develop- ment strategy, low-stake gaming operator, Praesepe has confirmed the sale of the Crystal Rooms Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) situated in Leicester Square, central London, to the neigh- bouring and award winning Hippodrome Casino. The sale has completed for an undisclosed sum.
Explaining the shift in business focus for the com- pany, Praesepe CEO Nick Harding said: "The Crystal Rooms is one of 71 AGCs that we operate under the Cashino brand throughout Greater London. We have enjoyed six years successful trading at what is an iconic gaming venue in the heart of central London's hospitality and leisure district. However, following a strategic review of the entire Praesepe business, which also includes Bingo Clubs and a growing number of coastal businesses, we believe the energy and overall resource required to remain at the top of the game in central London can be deployed more effective- ly throughout what is a growing business employ- ing some 1,600 staff nationally."
He added: "I am delighted that we have concluded a deal with Simon Thomas. Under his leadership and as a result of his vision and passion for gaming based leisure and entertainment, he has not only made The Hippodrome into the biggest and busiest casino in the UK, but he has also cemented its status as a cornerstone of the West End and London's most popular live entertainment venue."
Simon Thomas, Hippodrome Casino, CEO, said: "This is a significant new opportunity for the Hippodrome business. It not only allows us to extend the current gaming offer but delivers a sig- nificant platform at street level to showcase the magnificent range of entertainment facilities within the building. We have ambitious new plans for the space in the months ahead, so watch this space."
Spain Casino de Castilla y Leon has finally been given the green light from Valladolid City Council to transfer its licence and open a new casino in the building of the former Roxy cinema in Calle Maria de Molina in the centre of Valladolid. The Mayor of Valladolid, Oscar Puente, has given his own seal of approval for the facility, which will be called Casino Roxy. The casino’s owners believe the venue, which will be housed over three floors, will attract around 500 people a day. It will employ a workforce of about 100 people to serve customers, including 57 specialist dealers, pit bosses and supervisors. The transformation of the property will protect the facade of the building, which dates back to 1936. As well as 40 slots, tables and a dedicated poker room, Casino Roxy will boast a large cafeteria, a cocktail bar and a restaurant with capacity for 35 people.
EGT widens market presence in Georgia’s expanding market
GEORGIA Euro Games Technology in Georgia is reporting excellent results, having made several installations of its products. Over 130 machines, the Egypt Quest progressive jackpot sys- tem, the Vega Vision+ upright and slant top cabinets and the Premier R8 automated roulette are entertaining the local gam- ing community.
EGT products can be found on the casino floors of Casino Peace at the Sheraton Hotel, Casino Campione, Casino Las Vegas, Casino Austria International at the Hilton Hotel, Casino Grand Intourist at the Hotel Intourist, most of them located in Batumi. Some of the operators are new part-
ners for EGT, others, such as Casino Las Vegas and Peace, have had long-term fruitful relationships with EGT.
“Since EGT machines came into our casino, the visitors have played them every day,” said Shota Amiranishvili, General Manager of Casino Peace. “They share that the Premier slots give them the opportunity to stay in the game longer. And this is one of the advantages, related to the advanced mathe- matical models of EGT’s prod- ucts. Players also enjoy the amazing graphics and high- quality sound of the machines. Their most preferred games from the Premier multi-game mixes are the fruit themed titles, especially the Burning
Hot, which is the highest rated one.”
In 2014, EGT in Georgia had a market share of 25 per cent with an equal preference of the customers towards the sales and rental services, while this year it has so far reached 33 per cent. Radostina Valcheva, director of EGT Georgia, com- mented: “Keeping the pace of our sales growth will lead us very soon to the position of a major supplier of casino equip- ment in the country. Till the end of 2015 we expect a few more important installations to take place, one of them in the Leo Grand casino in Batumi. As sig- nificant is our technical support services that covers the needs of all local operators. For this purpose we opened a 24-hour line for emergency calls and are able to react within the day, or even immediately, depending on the case.”
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