12 June 2008 Pay for PHOTO PLAY games by mobile phone!
Technological forerunner funworld has developed a unique mobile payment solution, which makes it possible for the company to transact cashless mobile phone payments without additional hardware for networked PHOTO PLAY terminals. The mobile form of payment is already being used quite successfully in Finland, where 15,000 transactions were made by mobile phone in the first four weeks.
“We have developed a sophisticated mobile payment solution with know-how and technological expertise, which targets the cashless payment trend and represents an attractive tool for our PHOTO PLAY operators with a high image factor,” emphasises Josef Öhlinger, CEO funworld ag. Pay by mobile phone funworld's new mobile payment feature is completely integrated in the online PHOTO PLAY system and needs only be activated on the terminals. It works easily and quickly in cooperation with all mobile network companies. The player can make payments either by SMS or phone call, without surcharges. The game statistics are listed together with the mobile phone invoicing.
Finland is already making mobile payments The mobile form of payment was perfected in cooperation with funworld’s Finnish general agent PELIKA net OY, following an intensive test phase in Finland.
“Mobile payments have already been quite well accepted by PHOTO PLAY players in Finland. We have been able to record 15,000 cashless transactions in the first month, whereby the tendency is strongly increasing. Players are enthusiastic about the new payment option via mobile phone and above all appreciate its ease of use,” so Öhlinger.
Benefits of mobile payment Payments via mobile phone are now booming worldwide like never before. “Through the new mobile payment solution PHOTO PLAY operators can profit from this mega trend and offer players a modern service. Moreover, the logistics expenses are significantly reduced and it makes cumbersome loose coins passé,” according to Öhlinger.
Christian Bimminger (Senior Manager Products), Volker Schüller (Quality Assurance) and Bernhard Pichler (Software Development) developed funworld's unique mobile payment solution
11 June 2008 Super V+ Gaminator® storms into the UK market
Novo Casino UK – part of the Novomatic Group of Companies – has introduced the stunning Super V+ Gaminator® cabinet to the UK Casino market. An initial injection of forty machines has been sited across the country, with all machines featuring the internationally renowned Coolfire™ II technology and multi-game compendiums.
Building on the phenomenal success of the original Gaminator® Cabinet, Super V+ Gaminator® marries the unparalleled design, functionality and serviceability applauded in the first cabinet with a highly contemporary presentation that incorporates three 20.1” TFT wide screens. The visual splendour of the presentation is enhanced by the Coolfire™ II generated graphics of the new games. Andy Dinning, Director of Games Design for Astra Games Ltd, Novomatic’s UK Centre of Excellence, commented positively on the new cabinet:
“Both the cabinet and the Coolfire II games combine to create compelling visual impact with serious playability. We are delighted to introduce one of Novomatic’s most successful international products to the UK market, and we are confidant it will exceed the expectations of players and operators alike.”
Grosvenor Casino has introduced the Super V+ Gaminator® across a number of key sites on their UK wide estate, including three cabinets at the impressive London Victoria Casino. Mark Beattie, Electronic Gaming Product Manager for Grosvenor, remarked:
“The existing 'Multi-Gaminator' product has proven to be very popular with our customers and is firmly established within our Casino Slots Estate; in launching the 'Super V+ Gaminator' Novomatic have taken a successful formula, stepped it up a level, and produced a stunning cabinet with superb graphics and an excellent portfolio of games. It's early days but we expect the 'Super V+ Gaminator' to be a real favourite with our players.”
The Super V+ Gaminator® will feature two Coolfire™ II multi-game packs each comprising of a variety of internationally proven game themes, some of which already have a strong pedigree in the UK market.
Pharaohs Gold™ II deluxe The Ming Dynasty™ Buzzzin’ Bugs™ Sizzling Hot™ deluxe Haute Couture™
“As with the Super V+ Gaminator cabinet, the games are a enticing mix of both the new and the familiar,” said Richard Barr, Novo Casino UK Sales Executive. “Highly successful game themes such as Lucky Lady’s Charm and Beetlemania have been enhanced by Coolfire™ II , which enables an increase in lines and stake as well as more vivid and impressive graphics. Combined with some exciting new games that already have international success, the Super V+ Gaminator will undoubtedly become a leading product on UK gaming floors”
The Super V+ Gaminator® is available from Novo Casino UK now.
11 June 2008 ASTRA GAMES APPOINTS 'INTERNATIONAL' MANAGING DIRECTOR
ASTRA GAMES, part of the Novomatic Group of Companies, has acted decisively to bring an additional international flavour to its Bridgend, South Wales, facility with the appointment (effective immediately) of South African national ZANE MERSICH as Managing Director.
Mersich (35) was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and although a relative newcomer to the gaming industry, joining fellow Novomatic Group subsidiary company Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH in October 2007, he is already critically regarded as one of the huge Austrian conglomerate’s rising stars.
Graduating in Marketing and Business Economic from the University of Pretoria and following up with a post-graduate honours degree in Strategic Business Management from the University of South Africa, Mersich has 12 years of Board level international company management experience on which to draw as he takes up his new role.
Announcing the appointment of Zane Mersich, Austrian Gaming Industries Managing Director Jens Halle said: “Great people prove themselves under challenge. The UK industry is encountering difficult trading conditions at present but I fully expect that Astra Games, under the leadership of Zane Mersich and together with Astra founder and legendary games designer Ron Watts and our recently promoted Financial Director Neil Paramore, will take the lead in revitalising this important market sector through Astra’s traditional values of innovative products and an exceptional team. Zane will have new challenges to face but he needs look no further than our slogan ‘Novomatic Leads, Others Follow’ to meet those challenges as he builds on Astra’s success story.”
Mersich commented: “This is a big challenge and I fully understand that the appointment of a foreign national as the Managing Director of such a high level UK-based company as Astra Games may come as a surprise to some people in our industry. It is, however, a challenge that I willingly undertake and, from the genuine warmth of welcome that I have received at Astra Games I already know that I will be working with a great team that take pride in their company’s deserved reputation for leading edge product innovation.”
Mersich has already relocated from Novomatic’s headquarters in Gumpoldskirchen, Austria to South Wales and is eagerly anticipating combining his regular leisure activities of golf and action sports with getting to know and appreciate both the dynamic beauty of South Wales and also its rich cultural heritage. Ready for the challenge? ‘Ready, willing and able’ appropriately sums up Astra Games new Managing Director, Zane Mersich and his re-energised team.
10 June 2008 Pre-registration is now open for this year's London Preview.
This is the first opportunity to see new games and network with industry colleges following the summer season.
This year's show is more exciting than ever, with more stands, more products and new exhibitors. Visit, network and become informed.
Make sure you visit our website for further information:
This is the simplest way for you to get your FREE ADMISSION BADGE. Pre-register now and we will keep in touch with you to help you prepare for your visit to the show. For Sales & Information contact Ylva Howard: ylva@preview-uk.com
10 June 2008 The second Interational Amusement parks and Attractions Expo will take place in IEC "Crocus Expo" February, 11-13, 2009.
The organizer of the Show is “Smile-Expo” company. “This expo project has already proved its topicality and relevance. Economic development of Russian Federation, progressive improvement of common weal ”, has announced CEO of “Smile-Expo” company Anton Loginov. For experts “EAAPA 2009” Trade Show it is unique place for examination with the novelties as Russian as foreign amusement industry, arrangement of cooperation between producers and for visitors it is opportunity to “taste” novelties of industry. At Show actively take part producers of attractions, parks and amusement equipment. The participation has already confirmed key companies of this course. Exposition of “EAAPA 2009” foresees also stands with special equipment (cash receipt systems, safety and control) and accessories (decorations). The total area of the exposition in 2009 will be 8 500 sq. metres. Business programm provides holding of Congress regarding to issues of amusement industry, its problems and the ways of development. Infotainment for “EAAPA 2009” will be presented by magazines “Azart”, “CAI”, “Biliard sport”, “Hot Games”, “E-PLAY”, “Game Time International”, “Yourguides” and another both Russian and international particularized editions.
The second International Amusement parks and Attraction Expo will be open for visitors February 11-13, 2009: February 11-12: from 10.00 a.m. till 18.00 p.m., February 13: from 10.00 a.m. till 16.00 p.m.
