FutureLogic, Inc . announced today that it will celebrate its 25-year anniversary at G2E Asia, to be held in Macau on June 4-5. The company will exhibit its complete line of gaming printers and PromoNet™, a template-based promotional couponing system, at Booth 1335.

FutureLogic has been making an impact in the Asia Pacific since opening its new sales, service and distribution centres in Macau in October 2006. Launched with a celebration that included bungee-jumping off the Macau Tower, FutureLogic Asia has grown rapidly, headed up by Business Development Director Dan Turner, a veteran of complex system, peripheral and gaming industry sales, and supported locally by Paul Dewet, a Technical Support Engineer with over five years experience in the gaming industry. Rob Denham, who has relocated to Macau to oversee technical support for FutureLogic's international markets, provides additional support and experience to Asia and brings a wealth of industry and product expertise to the team and the market.

In the gaming industry, FutureLogic has been setting performance standards since 1999 - winning ten industry awards in the past five years. FutureLogic developed and launched the first TITO gaming printer, and today has more than 900,000 installed TITO printers in 40 countries across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

FutureLogic's GEN2 Universal™ printers provide a migration path for new server-based games and support all current and emerging game types by incorporating three game ports, including RS232, NetPlex and USB 2.0. The GEN2 Universal connection architecture is available in both the standard horizontal format as well as the GEN2 VST Universal™ vertical format printer, which is designed specifically for use with space saving slim-top machines and kiosk applications.

FutureLogic will also exhibit the flexible and feature-rich PromoNet Server Based Couponing system, which helps casinos design and manage a wide range of promotional campaigns. The PromoNet system turns ordinary slot tickets into colorful, eye-catching real time, targeted coupons. The PromoNet system can be used with any gaming machine or POS within a Casino property that is equipped with FutureLogic's GEN2 Universal or GEN2 VST Universal printer. The PromoNet secure system approach ensures that casino servers are in full control of all communication with the printers and cashout tickets, and offers casinos of any size a flexible and cost-effective real time, targeted promotional coupon solution.

For further information, contact FutureLogic for sales inquiries:
EMEA+44.1628.760.080
APR +853.665.507.48
US +1.818.244.4700

The dates for the 2008 Autumn Enada show have changed to 8,9,10 October.

“We’ve brought forward the dates of ENADA ROME and decide to position it on mid-week days to qualify the participation of trade members and ensure further visiting opportunities. This decision is in line with other international expos. Plus, the beginning of October, particularly in the centre and south of Italy, is still a busy period work-wise, a sort of tail-end of the summer season, so weekend days are still very busy as far as work is concerned. The move was made in agreement with companies and according to the availability of the venue and we’re convinced that three days completely dedicated to trade members is a good choice.” said Simone Castelli, manager of Rimini Fiera’s Business Unit 2, which includes ENADA.

Last year, on the four days (which included Saturday and Sunday), ENADA ROME was attended by 10,599 trade members (15% more than 2006), of whom 1,023 were from abroad (a 19% increase).

funworld's terminals can be connected quick and easily with mobile broadband

The high standard of technological competency from funworld has once again made it possible to set a further benchmark in the development of PHOTO PLAY. Thanks to the new 3G-Datakit it is possible to network terminals (PRO Generation and SPIRIT Xtreme) anywhere at any time without additional cables even in regions which have weak Internet coverage.

Two small radio modems (Huawei e220 / e270) with special PHOTO PLAY software configuration are immediately available and can take the place of conventional Internet lines, creating mobile broadband Internet access rapidly and at a good price. Operators can therefore save time and money since there is no need for laying of internet access lines and high installation costs.

3G-networked PHOTO PLAY terminals already operating in Italy, Spain, Germany and Great Britain

The new, mobile networking technology of PHOTO PLAY terminals was already used at international fairs last year and has been intensively tested under country specific conditions. To guarantee the best possible provider conditions agreements are being closed with partners and providers in individual countries at the moment. 

“In Italy, Spain, Germany and Great Britain the first PHOTO PLAY terminals have been 3G-networked, further countries will follow continually. According to the feedback from the operators the mobile data transfer functions without any hitches and is extremely fast and secure. Apart from that they are enthusiastic about the large potential for savings and appreciate the uncomplicated operation of the 3G-Datakit which is built directly into the terminal housing”, comments a pleased Josef Öhlinger, CEO funworld.

Advantages of the online networking

What speaks in favour of the online networking of terminals is, above all, the economic success of the operators who are already networked. Whoever networks their terminal can enjoy the advantages of further additional features such as net.games or Multiplayer gaming which create customer loyalty from the players within the international PHOTO PLAY Community and that, as we know from experience, has its beneficial results on turnover.

In addition PHOTO PLAY terminals can be updated online and supplied regularly with current game content. Tasks like maintenance and update installations via DVD belong to the past because terminals can be managed optimally online which reduces logistics costs since travel and transportation fees are restrained. 

“Mobile data transfer via 3G technology makes the operators very flexible. Regardless of the location and its technical environment, the possibilities of placement can be expanded and the operators can profit from the various advantages of online networking. With this system we are offering our customers a convenient and low cost broadband solution with added value for the players”, Öhlinger stressed.

ASTRA GAMES Limited, the UK subsidiary company of Austria’s Novomatic Group has, in confirming recent widespread industry media speculation that Managing Director Neil Chinn has left the company, paid tribute to the much respected industry veteran.
“Neil Chinn has been a valued and much respected colleague and has been at the forefront of many of the significant advances that Astra Games Limited has made, not the least of which was bringing to a splendid reality the move to the new Astra House premises in Bridgend that were opened last November” said Jens Halle, Managing Director of Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH, from the headquarters of parent company Novomatic in Gumpoldskirchen in Austria. “On behalf of us all in the Novomatic family – whether at Astra’s home base in South Wales or here in Austria – I would like to express our thanks to Neil for his work over the past few years and wish him every possible success for the future.”

An interim management structure is now in place at Astra Games and a review of future strategies and the many exciting opportunities offered by the development of new products is currently being undertaken. Astra Games have also announced promotions for two key staff members plus one new appointment to the team. Astra Financial Controller Neil Paramore has been appointed to the Astra board as Finance Director; Neil replaces Peter Stein who will remain on the board as the Novomatic representative.
Andy Dinning has been appointed to the role of Director of Game Design, a clear indication of Astra’s focus on game design.  In addition to these, and as part of an ongoing drive to support and enhance overseas activities, Phil Burke has joined the sales team in the role of International Sales and Development Executive.

Andy Dinning has a strong gaming pedigree gained from a number of senior roles within major UK gaming manufacturers, and aims to use his considerable experience, extensive gaming knowledge and unquestionable creative zest to further Astra’s position as an international gaming force:

“This is a pivotal time in virtually all of Astra’s key markets and we are committed to realising the wealth of ideas within the company as a whole ”, said Dinning.” With the support of Novomatic, we are embracing advancements in technology and working closely with Astra’s partners to produce strong games for each market.”

Neil Paramore will aim to drive Astra’s strategic direction by providing the financial focus and tools to assist and enhance the performance of the various business units within Astra House, including domestic and overseas markets, plus Novomatic’s UK Casino arm, Novo Casino UK. “Astra is well placed to capitalise on future opportunities in domestic and international markets,” said Neil Paramore.

Reporting directly to Senior Management, Phil Burke is responsible for the development and progression of Astra’s continually growing Export sector, which is now comprised of eleven markets. Phil has held senior positions at JPM before joining the team at Astra, establishing a broad scope of experience and knowledge in both the commercial and technical aspects of the gaming industry. Commenting on his new role, Phil said:

“I am extremely excited about the future prospects with Astra, it is clear that the whole team is devoted to creating innovative and stimulating games and products that carry the hallmarks of Novomatic quality in every facet. I hope my understanding of overseas markets will facilitate and enhance the growing presence of Astra product in all sectors.”

In announcing the new positions Jens Halle commented: “I wish to congratulate Neil and Andy on their new responsibilities and Phil on his appointment within Astra Games and wish them all well. I firmly believe that exciting times lie ahead for Astra and that the core values of great production innovations and ethical business values will serve the company well in the months and years ahead.”

Attractive packages attract floods of players during the European Football Championship 2008

The football event of the year, the EURO 2008, is just about to be kicked off. To enable operators to make the most of the general football mania funworld is offering powerful EURO 2008 packages, which will attract the players like the goal attracts a striker.

PHOTO PLAY plus LCD flat screen TV
The EURO 2008 packages consist of two PHOTO PLAY terminals and a LCD flat screen TV. Therefore there are two RACER PROs or two SPRINTER PROs with the new SYSTEM 2008 together with a flat screen TV at an attractive special offer price. Cheaper EURO packages are also available with SPIRIT XTREME or SMART PLUS.

Greater game frequency and income
Due to the LCD flat screen TV, PHOTO PLAYers can keep up with play on the football pitch live, at the same time as continuing to enjoy their own type of game on the terminals. Operators can use the television to broadcast the football matches and to draw the players' attention to the PHOTO PLAY terminals in their premises. In this way they can increase game frequency at the terminals to achieve higher income.

“With the EURO 2008 packages funworld has created the perfect connection between EURO 2008 and the entertainment industry, so that operators can be a part of the Mega-Event and profit from the strong football mania”, said Thomas Keitz, Marketing and Sales Manager at funworld ag.