Merit Entertainment proudly announces the promotion of Javier Lanfranchi to Director of International Sales. In his new position, Javier will continue to foster Merit’s international business with his outstanding service to existing customers, as well as opening up new market opportunities for both Merit and Rowe/AMI. He will also be teaming with industry veteran Bob Fay, who is working the Asian Pacific markets for Merit.

“In the 2 plus years since joining Merit, Javier has demonstrated consistent growth in the international markets, and his customer care attitude is appreciated and applauded by our family of international customers,” states Bob Mills, Merit’s Vice President, North American Sales.

Javier brings a wealth of international experience to his new position, having been International Department Manager with Barcelona-based Machines Games Automatics (MGA), which is the largest amusement distributor in Spain. He was educated at the National University of Cordoba in Argentina, where he studied Marketing and Institutional Communication, as well as Systems Analysis and Computer Programming. Lanfranchi is also fluent in Spanish, French, Italian and English.
 
"Merit is a world-leader, and they are committed to building on this position through continued growth, product evolution, and innovation. I am delighted to be a part of its exciting international project,” states Lanfranchi.

Javier is based out of London and can be reached at:
jlanfranchi@meritgames.com
Cell: +44 7910730831 Phone/Fax: +44 2088579588

Money Controls displays full range at IMA

From coin acceptance, coin payout and bill acceptance to payment integration, Money Controls has it covered, with the most comprehensive portfolio of payment products for the amusement industry. And all of these products will be on display at next month’s IMA show in Düsseldorf.
Money Controls has an enviable reputation in the amusement sector, gained by working closely with machine manufacturers for over forty years. This collaboration, coupled with Money Controls’ application engineering expertise, ensures that they deliver cost-effective, reliable products that perfectly meet the needs of each individual OEM.

The world-proven SR3 and SR5i coin acceptors will be on the Money Controls stand (No. 8a/G12).
These incorporate a host of innovations that guarantee security and trouble-free operation, such as full remote download capability and an encrypted communication protocol that takes security to new levels.
The long-serving Universal Hopper, renowned throughout the industry for its unbeatable reliability, will be displayed alongside the versatile Compact Hopper. With a wide range of bowls, the Compact Hopper offers a large capacity within a small footprint and can be fitted in many applications, including retrofit.

Ardac Elite, Money Controls’ latest bill acceptor, will be on show, together with the well-established Lumina and Lumina Rotor acceptors. Incorporating state-of-the-art image capture and data processing techniques, Ardac Elite delivers the highest first-time acceptance of both new and street-grade bills; this has resulted in increased cashbox take for all of the many operators around the world who have retrofitted Ardac Elite.

Completing the line-up will be PayLink, the USB integration module that dramatically reduces the time-to-market for PC-based machines. Supporting both Windows and Linux operating systems, PayLink simplifies the creation of software for PC-based gaming machines by integrating a variety of payment peripherals into new machine platforms.
Heino Schlichting, General Manager of Money Controls GmbH, is leading the company’s presence at IMA and is looking forward to meeting existing customers, as well as welcoming new visitors to the stand: “With such a comprehensive portfolio on display, we are sure to have something to interest you, whether it’s a single product or a complete payment solution.”

Merit Entertainment announces the release of their latest Sneak Peak Game - Beer Pong 21. This twist on the highly popular Beer Pong will automatically download to all MegaNet-connected Megatouch IONs.
Sneak Peek Games are free to all MegaNet-connected IONs (including the Aurora). Merit reminds operators that MegaNet itself is free for any broadband-connected Megatouch linked to an AMI jukebox.

In Beer Pong 21, the player uses their skill and accuracy to clear 21 Beer Pong cups before time runs out. Fast-paced game play and stunning graphics are sure to make it another Megatouch crowd-pleaser. Based on the popularity of past Sneak Peek Games like Draggle Drop and Photo Pop, Beer Pong 21 is sure to give operators a nice earnings boost.

"Sneak Peek Games are an excellent way to keep yourself ahead of the competition," said Colin Higbie, Merit's Director of Marketing. "Connected machines automatically receive hot new games months before anyone else. This happens throughout the year, so MegaNet operators always have fresh games. While all Megatouch IONs out-earn the competition, Sneak Peeks push the earnings even higher for connected machines. We strongly encourage all Megatouch operators to get connected today, offer more to your players, and increase your earnings."

Sound Leisure and Soundnet are offering a flexible leasing arrangement to operators, covering the full range of Sound Leisure jukeboxes.
 
The deal utilises leasing specialist Admiral and includes a full music service (audio and video) for one, two or three years (subject to status). At the end of the given period of time, the jukebox becomes the property of the leasee.
 
“Leasing a jukebox could be the ideal solution for some operators, easing cash flow and enabling investment in higher end products,” says James Luck of Soundnet. “We have been using Admiral for a number of years and they provide a very full and personal service.”
 
Since launching its leasing service to the amusement industry a few weeks ago, it has been taken up by dozens of operators in the UK. “Admiral has an innovative approach and are happy to discuss any financial requirements and situations in the strictest confidence,” adds Sound Leisure’s Chris Black. “This arrangement ensures prompt delivery of product at a very competitive rate, thereby making the investment easier to calculate and justify.”
 
For more information about leasing through Admiral, contact James Luck on 0207 644 8888 or the Sound Leisure sales team on 0845 230 1775

High on operators wanted List - the SEGA UFO CATCHER reports amazing income test results to back up the hype surrounding this popular SKILL based prize machine. The SEGA UFO CATCHER with its intergalactic blend of Skill, Prize Values of up to £50 and a Price per Play of up to £1 has caused cash box takings to rocket.

The favourable SEGA UFO CATCHER figures show a cash box average in excess of £2000 per week. The test took place at the prestigious FUNLAND amusements in the Trocadero London.

Fun land’s Alan Rawlinson had this to say about the SEGA UFO CATCHER “The success of the test at the Trocadero was very conclusive indeed with income levels exceeding my initial expectations. Visually the piece is striking which has certainly attracted the crowds”.
Mr Rawlinson also added, “Being a “Skill” based machine I did have concerns about the payout ratios, but the test period proved that the UFO is both versatile and fair to operator and player alike”.

When asked about the reason for the test success Sega’s Chief Operations Officer Paul Williams said “The popularity of boxed products with players such as the Ipod shuffle means that operators can capitalise on the UFO’s capability to handle similar items, allowing them to offer more than just traditional plush pieces to their customers – it is a win-win situation”.

To back up the success of the SEGA UFO CATCHER, SEGA have launched a new business division SEGA PRIZE EUROPE. This all new division is dedicated to providing a wide range of top quality products and merchandise specifically tailored to the SEGA UFO CATCHER – operators can order prize products direct from SEGA PRIZE EUROPE simplifying the process for everyone.

The SEGA AMUSEMENTS EUROPE stand at ATEI will feature a “SEGA UFO CATCHER EXPERIENCE”. Part of the “SEGA UFO CATCHER EXPERIENCE” will be a display of hand-picked merchandise from SEGA PRIZE EUROPE