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

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.”

Novomatic Gaming Spain S.A., the Spanish subsidiary of the Novomatic Holding Austria, has delivered and implemented a comprehensive electronic Roulette re-order at Casino Barcelona, the flagship casino of the Spanish hotel, resort and casino group Grup Peralada.

Novomatic Gaming Spain S.A. was officially founded in January 2007 with headquarters
in Madrid and was almost immediately expanded with the opening of a sales and service facility in Barcelona. The company is an affiliate of the Novomatic-subsidiary Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH.

The new company’s first success in the Spanish casino industry was an agreement with Grup Peralada, a major hotel, resort and casino group. At its flagship operation, Casino Barcelona, Grup Peralada operates the largest casino in Spain, as well as three further high class casinos. In the course of a major renovation and modernization of this prestige operation in 2007, Casino Barcelona decided to offer its guests state-of-the-art Roulette entertainment made by Novomatic.

The first Spanish Novo Multi-Roulette™ installation with 24 individual player terminals and a fully automated Roulette wheel was an instant success and became a definite favourite among the casino’s guests. In fact the guest reaction was so enthusiastic that the casino decided to extend its electronic table gaming offering and order further 24 terminals and a second wheel. 

The comprehensive electronic Roulette installation based on the server-based Novo Unity™ multiplayer platform now features two fully automated Roulette wheels, each with 24 individual Slant Top touchscreen terminals, four of which have been positioned in a separate smoking area. Casino Barcelona now offers 12 terminals with a 20-Cent denomination, 32 terminals with 50 Cent and the four terminals in the smoking area with a denomination of 1 Euro. The installation is complemented by large plasma screen featuring the Roulette animation display and the Novo Wheel Info Display™ which offers players detailed games statistics. Casino Barcelona is very pleased with the excellent performance of the machines and the enthusiastic customer feedback.

Casino Barcelona’s Slot Director Mr. Eduardo Cuenca Navarro: “Our strategic decision to offer our customers Novomatic multiplayer equipment has proved perfectly right. The Novo Multi-Roulette™ was met with such tremendous customer response that we decided to extend our multiplayer offering by simply doubling its size. Our guests enjoy our unique Roulette gaming offering with the flexible range of stakes and the machines perform excellently.”

Jordi Pedragosa, Sales Director Novomatic Gaming Spain: “Winning the acceptance of a customer like the Grup Peralada positions us ideally in the Spanish gaming market The recent re-order for Casino Barcelona proves that the market appreciates our products. Spanish casinos are generally very exclusive and set high standards with regards to quality and innovation, and it is a testament to Novomatic’s reputation that the interest in our products is so positive. It is great so see that Novomatic gaming equipment is well on its way to establishing a firm position in Spain, based absolutely on our total commitment to product excellence and customer service.”

FutureLogic, Inc ., the leading manufacturer of thermal ticket printers and promotional couponing technology for cashless gaming, announced today that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Octavian International , a leading global developer of gaming systems and software solutions. According to the agreement, Octavian will integrate, support and promote FutureLogic's thermal ticket printers and promotional couponing technology across their full range of electronic gaming machines and casino management systems.

FutureLogic's GEN2™ printers and promotional couponing technology will be integrated with all existing and new server-based games and slots equipped with TITO (Ticket-In/Ticket-Out) technology and controlled by Octavian's ACP (Accounting, Control, Progressives) casino management systems. Octavian will also provide technical service and system integration support for FutureLogic products.

"With its history of technical innovation and demonstrated leadership in TITO printer reliability and performance, FutureLogic was the ideal choice to help take Octavian International to the next level of global brand preference," said Peter Moffitt, President of Octavian International. "The GEN2 Printer's enviable position as the number one preferred printer for casinos and EGMs worldwide will be instrumental in further solidifying Octavian's leadership in the rapidly developing international gaming market."

"The timing of this key strategic partnership with Octavian International represents a tremendous opportunity for FutureLogic," said John Edmunds, VP International Markets. "The rapid growth of TITO across EMEA, APR and South America, coupled with Octavian's proven gaming industry expertise and product portfolio, greatly boosts our ability to provide casinos and gaming manufacturers with reliable, innovative printing and marketing solutions."

For further information, contact FutureLogic Europe at: +44.1628.760.083 for sales enquiries, or: +44.1628.760.082 for technical service.