The TAB-Awards were presented for the third year running on 23 January 2008 during the ATEI in London. An unforgettable evening for all the guests and winners.

Guests from over 30 countries took up TAB-Austria’s invitation to attend the annual TAB-Awards. After all, a festive atmosphere, good food, Austrian wines especially imported for the occasion and an extravagant show component are the ingredients which produce unforgettable evenings.

“Our partners are the sole focus of this party. It’s not about products, strategies or new developments. What counts is the fun and the celebration of joint successes”, explains Siegfried Dattl jr., Managing Director of TAB-Austria.

And the evening was indeed about FUN in capital letters. Over 100 invited guests, a successful reception and a fantastic TAB-Awards ceremony for the best of the best ensured a festive atmosphere.

“Commitment, creativity and continuity are the cornerstones which matter to us. They are the basis of the entire TAB-Group. Short-term approaches and so-called one hit wonders are not the values we stand for. Long-term success is our focus and we also assist our partners in achieving the same. With the TAB-Awards we have created an international platform for presenting these services to a wider public. This is where all of our partners get to meet one another”, is how Karin Scheidl, Marketing Manager, describes the idea behind the TAB-Awards.

Three companies were nominated in each category.
Ultimately it was Norditalia, Italy, who took home the TAB-Award for “Best Marketing”. Balo Ticaret, Turkey, secured the “Best Technical Performance” Award and “Best Overall Performance” went to C + P Automatenhandel, Switzerland, for the second time in a row. 

“Last year was dominated by Kiosk and Betting Terminals which is why our annual floating “Special Award” was presented in this segment this time”, explains Karin Scheidl. The special award went to a company considered to be a pioneer in Fixed Odds Betting and which has become a global player in the betting sector within a very short space of time: The Global Draw from England.

Following the presentation of the prizes with a total value of more than 22.500.00 Euros, Greg Bennis, the new lead singer with Hot Chocolate and successor to Errol Brown, provided the party atmosphere, getting the guests going with hits like “You Sexy Thing”, “Every one’s a Winner” and “It Started with a Kiss”.

Not only did he get everyone on the dance floor with the song “So You Win Again”, he also provided a preview of the TAB-Awards Party 2009.

The party went on into the early morning hours and anyone who was not able to be there this time can start looking forward to the 28 January 2009 because that’s when it will be time again for “And the award goes to...”.

Six new MERKUR CASINO entertainment centers in Europe–gaming arcades “made by Gauselmann“ continue successful expansion course also in 2008.

ESPELKAMP. The Gauselmann Group looks confidently also to the other EU-markets such as Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and the neighboring alpine Republic of Austria. The arcades of the Espelkamp-based company that are operated under the name of “MERKUR CASINO“ or “MERKUR SPIELO“ (Hungary) are favorites of the target customers. Apart from the extremely well trained and service-oriented staff the basis of the success of the continuously growing number of entertainment centers are prime locations, an innovative product portfolio that has the finger on the pulse and in addition modern, creative interior design concepts such as “Planet,“ “New York,“ and “Factory“ that are unrivalled and are met with excellent feedback of the players. Target-group oriented marketing is just as important and differentiates MERKUR CASINO distinctly from its competitors.

ROMANIA:
The MERKUR sun at the foot of the Carpathian mountains

Since the beginning of October, the Merkur sun has started shining in the city of Brasov-population 280,000. In the recently opened arcade, MERKUR CASINO presents ultra-modern roulette and AWP gaming machines, and especially the Atronic Cashfever is very popular. The new entertainment center is located in direct vicinity to the municipal amusement park. The interior design imitates a rustic skiing cabin and is thus perfectly integrated into the environment. Brasov is situated in the region of Transylvania, at the foot of the Carpathian mountains, some three hours drive from the capital Bucharest.

Another arcade, at the southern foot of the Carpathians in Ploiesti, was opened at the beginning of 2008. Ploiesti is a modern industrial city, about 60 kilometers from Bucharest, and is with 300,000 inhabitants one of the biggest cities in Romania. On a surface of 510 sqm the new entertainment center offers patrons around the clock ideal entertainment possibilities with 53 gaming machines, one Atronic Cashfever, and two roulette tables.

In both cities MERKUR CASINO uses an illuminated road-signage system to show patrons day and night the shortest way to their new arcades.

The friendly smiling MERKUR sun now no longer only beams in the capital of Bucharest and in Constanza at the Black Sea, but also in Ploiesti and Brasov at the foot of the Carpathians.


HUNGARY:
Pure entertainment in the four country region

The first arcade in Hungary was opened in 1996, at the time still under the name of MERKUR SPIELOTHEK. Today, the MERKUR sun, a world-famous symbol of luck is shining above the entrance doors of numerous first class entertainment centers. On November 21. 2007 another MERKUR SPIELO started operation in Hungary in the city of Nyiregyháza that counts 120,000 inhabitants. The 7th largest city is located in the North East of the country and borders the three neighboring countries Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine. Around the clock, eight perfectly trained staff look after the well-being of the players. The attractive product portfolio also includes 11 modern poker machines and two roulettes. In total, 42 machines provide gaming highlights on 400 square meters.

Similar to the arcades Arkad in Budapest with “Planet“ and in Györ with “New York“ a special interior design variant was selected. A typical theme in this region is horse racing, which was taken up and used in the design of rustic ambiance of the entertainment center.

Many of the MERKUR SPIELO locations in Hungary are operated in the capital of Budapest. Other Merkur entertainment centers are located in Györ, Debrecen, Székesfehévár, Kecskemét, Sopron, and most recently now also in Nyíregyháza.


AUSTRIA:
The MERKUR sun shines in Vienna’s Prater

MERKUR CASINO is alsocelebrating its debut in Austria! The first arcade in Vienna-of course in a prime location in the world famous amusement park quarter Prater–opened its doors on December 1, 2007 with a successful midnight event. A gaming surface of 460 square meters provides players with first class entertainment. The friendly 12 staff Merkur service team focuses on catering to absolutely  every wish and whim of the patrons; it is not without reason that the motto of MERKUR CASINO is: “We offer more. “

In view of the strategic expansion activity,  the opening in Vienna is to be considered a milestone in the growing history of MERKUR CASINO.


CZECH REPUBLIC:
MERKUR CASINOS are setting trends

In November, even two more MERKUR CASINOS were inaugurated in the Czech Republic. With a surface of 350 square meters the successful subsidiary of the Gauselmann Group has now the eighth location in Prague, in the Pankrac quarter. 37 modern AWP machines offer first class entertainment. A staff of five ensures 24/7 non stop opening hours. Pankrac is located in the 4th district of Prague, south of the city center in the Nusle valley. The face of this quarter, in the direct vicinity of the arcade is characterized, by modern office buildings.
 
The second new MERKUR CASINO saw its opening on November 22 in the new “Bondy” shopping center in Mlada Boleslav, 60 kilometers northeast of Prague. It is the second location in this city, where among others the headquarters of Skoda is based.

Nine service staff are responsible for a 500 square meter gaming surface with 30 strong Casino entertainment machines including electronic roulette. The colorful interior design once again sets fresh accents and starts new trends in the arcade scene.

The Czech Republic proved an extremely promising market for the expansion strategy of the Gauselmann Group. Today, many MERKUR suns are shining in our European neighboring country.

The Gauselmann Group that proudly looked back to its 50 year old history in 2007 currently operates a total of 270 entertainment centers in all of Europe. In FY 2006 the family-managed Group generated aggregate consolidated revenues of more than EUR 1 billion. The Gauselmann Group employs more than 5,500 people worldwide and is the only company in the German amusement machine industry to be certified according to ISO DIN EN 9001:2000. The friendly smiling MERKUR sun has meanwhile become of symbol of luck and much appreciated guarantee for innovative leisure time culture.

Astra Games – Part of the Novomatic Group of Companies – once again re-affirmed its position as the lead games innovator in the UK by revealing a wide and varied range of product at ATEI 2008. Exciting new developments for both the domestic and overseas markets placed a clear marker for Astra’s intentions in 2008, and was met with a mixture of delight and appreciation by Industry partners.

“The investment we poured into development in 2007 really produced dividends at ATEI 2008”, stated Astra Managing Director Neil Chinn. “In line with the Astra core game strategy, the entire product range incorporated a blend of familiar Astra proven game concepts with a collection of vibrant, innovative ideas; Enforcing Astra’s position as a groundbreaking company with strong, established game brands that transcend geographic boundaries and market sectors.”

The focussed efforts of Astra’s development team came to fruition in the form of both video and reel based Category C games; the evergreen themes of Party Time and Bullion Bars re-incarnated in a dazzling new Platinum presentation, complete with a new Category C overhaul, were of particular interest to a jovial UK operator congregation. These games were accompanied by Astra multiplayer “Locomotion” - arguably the Category C star of the show – which introduced a compelling presentation enhanced via three 32” LCD top screens; a visual extravaganza that mixes a Wild West train theme with an innovative top feature that is a bona fide “first” in the UK market.

“Locomotion was unparalleled in terms of machine presentation, it “wowed” not only the UK industry but also the gathered International Industry, an indication of the talent and ideas within the UK sector.”

Category B3 was represented by a host of exciting new product, again in the form of multi game compendium Party Slots, which introduced new game Bullion Bars 500 and the Megaslot feature enhancement, an unparalleled way of heightening the B3 gaming experience. Double Action Slotto with its “Gamble” feature lived up to the pre-show hype by wowing the entire show; its breathtaking game play and dynamic presentation conspired to create what will be the B3 product for 2008.  Alan Rogers, Director of Sales at Astra, emphasised Astra’s dedication to moving things forward:

“Astra realised that 2008 would be a watershed date for new product; I believe we have seized this golden opportunity by launching new product that already has a devoted following, such as Party Time Platinum, plus two of the strongest game concepts that the UK has seen since the introduction of the former Section 16 product, namely Locomotion and Double Action Slotto.”

Astra devoted two thirds of stand 620 to the ten markets – Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Holland, Italy, Poland, Spain, Slovak Republic – that make up the export market.

Czech Republic sees Riverboat Gambler 750 and Hi Energy 750; The Netherlands introduced the Multi Game compendium in the Mk5 cabinet for street locations; House of Fortune for Denmark, a growing performer, made an appearance; Belgium presented Royal Riches and Party Dice in the Games Palace compendium, as well as multiplayer Las Vegas Dice; A strong Eastern European showing with Slovakia – Riverboat Gambler 300, Poland – Riverboat Gambler 500 and Hungary – Fortune Sevens, was met with a very positive response by Astra’s partners in each of the countries. Spain, a market where Astra have been establishing a brand presence with an expanding range of games, featured exciting new product tinged with the passion and colour of the Mediterranean. Game of Fortune ably represented Italy, and new market Germany presented a trio of “Wall Cabinet” games in addition to the Multi Game Upright concept aptly named Party Games. Stand 620 was a must visit for customers of all nationalities:

 Neil Chinn commented:

“A fantastic range of Export product was excellently presented by Astra’s partners in each of our key countries. The games were confidently received by an enthusiastic customer base and I believe that 2008 will be a strong year for Astra across our international markets.”

Adjacent to the Astra stand was Novo Casino UK, presenting the latest Category B1, B3 and C games from Novomatic’s impressive stable. Magic Games II, the everlasting Adult Gaming Centre multi game compendium, once again appealed to the UK customer base, as did Category B3 multi game compendium Magic Lotto. Both products incorporated new compliant games that have enhanced the game play and created a new gaming experience for the player. Alan Rogers said:

“The games have been enhanced to not only incorporate the machine standards and regulations, but to also improve the game play and offer even greater, more entertaining games”

Stunning new cabinets and unbeatable new games is the formula for Novomatic’s UK B1 product range in 2008, combining the visually splendid aesthetics of the Super V+ Gaminator cabinet with a host of new Coolfire II games, including Beetlemania Deluxe, Lucky Lady’s Charm Deluxe and new game Egyptian Experience. Also in attendance was Novomatic’s mystery win Flexi Link system, a glorious 57 inch plasma screen presentation that will create a focal centre piece on any casino floor. Sales Executive Richard Barr is enthusiastic about new product:

“The introduction of Coolfire II in the UK market gives UK operators and players the chance to see the next generation of games from Novomatic for the first time. Superior graphics, multiple win line options and the head turning presentation of the Super V+ Gaminator cabinet, all combine to make this product range unparalleled in the UK market. Following the upheaval of the smoking ban and legislation change, the dramatic entertainments of the Coolfire II games are a welcome shot in the arm.“

Overall ATEI 2008 was a positive start to the year, indicating a clear path for the future in all areas of Astra’s ever expanding business. Neil Chinn:

“Firstly, I’d like to say thank you to Astra’s partners and customers for the tremendous support shown at ATEI. It has been a difficult time for UK gaming and the commitment from all areas was abundantly evident on both the Astra and Novo Casino UK stands.  Astra’s campaign to deliver product that embody our key brand values of quality, innovation and service came to the fore at ATEI this year, I believe that it is the first step in bringing success for Astra, our partners and our customers.”

The London Shows (ATEI, ICE and ICEi) underlined their reputation as being the most international expos on the industry calendar. Data for the first two days of the 2008 exhibitions reveal that a total of 122 national territories were represented on the show floor. First-time representations from Nicaragua, Rwanda and Tonga raised the total number of jurisdictions represented since 1995 to 181. Also official figures released for the first two days of the London Show 2008 – comprised of ATEI, ICE and ICEi – show a total increase in visitors of 2.7 per cent, to nearly 23,000 year-on-year. Attendance at ICE increased by 8.9 per cent in the period, from 8,605 to 9,370, while ICEi recorded the largest jump with a rise of nearly 25 per cent to 2,555 visitors. ATEI attendance dropped by 5.8 per cent, to 10,913.
 

Peter Rusbridge, Chief Executive of organising company Clarion Gaming, said:
“We have always maintained that our exhibitions reflect the industries they serve. The two-day figures represent a snap shot of the business. The consolidation and uncertainty within coin-op markets is manifest in the ATEI attendance. ICE continues to build on its status as one of the strongest events for land-based casinos. Of course we are delighted with the development of ICEi, both in terms of the number and the calibre of attendees. However, attendance figures in isolation are relatively meaningless and as always the response of our stakeholders – visitors and exhibitors – will provide the litmus test.”

Exhibitor quotes ATEI:

Robert White – MD, IGT UK (in charge of Barcrest)
“This show itself has been a great success to us, the stand has been phenomenal. For us the show is about bringing product that has been tested and really launching it into the market place. It’s a great opportunity to demonstrate the product on such a large scale event, to multiple markets.”

 John Farrington – MD, Cosmic Video Amusements
“We've signed a number of really good deals here at the show, it’s a great opportunity to meet and do business. I'm really impressed with the show, we've had a great response and there has been a lot of traffic through the stand. We've had every major operator look at the stand. Everyone is screaming out for something different and that’s what they're here for. This year has been our biggest presence at the show ever, and it’s been worthwhile. Great three days, really good turnout, especially from overseas.”

 
Phil Burke – International Sales Manager, JPM International
“It’s either been very, very busy, or very quiet – more busy periods though. But people have been coming in waves! So many of our products have been exports, and that’s what we’ve been concentrating on here. Over 90 per cent of our output goes abroad, and there’s been a definite increase in international visitors, most notably from the Eastern European market. I think the increase has added a whole new dimension to the show, and ATEI has become the only truly international show.”

Exhibitor quotes ICE:
Max Lindenberg – Marketing & Business Development, Novomatic – Austrian Gaming Industries
“It’s been a crowded, busy show as always. Every year it gets bigger and better, and again the success has not been unexpected to us. It’s brilliant. The show attendance has been excellent and the reaction has been great, and some of the visitors have been calling our stand Earls Court 3. ICE is the most important show for Novomatic, the international part of the show is getting bigger and better every year, which is what we're looking for.”

Georg Steiner – Sales/Marketing Director, Amatic Industries
“The show has been very good indeed, very busy and an excellent place to meet clients. We've been in the industry for 15 years now, so nothing surprises us, but it’s been a very impressive show.”

Nick Khin – Executive General Manager EMEA, Aristocrat Technologies Europe
“ICE 2008 has proved, once again, to be a unique platform to launch new products, stimulate the market and strengthen relationships with our customers in the region. I’m pleased to report that Aristocrat, ACE Interactive and PokerTek have succeeded on all three accounts – the show has been a great start to 2008.”

Clarion Gaming and the European Casino Association (ECA) have today agreed a programme of collaborative marketing, promotion and development initiatives. The agreement, which covers casino activities, was ratified by Clarion Gaming’s Head of Exhibitions Karen Cooke and Ron Goudsmit of the ECA on the opening day of the 2008 International Casino Exhibition being held at London’s Earls Court Exhibition Centre.

Heralding the agreement, which applies to the development of existing events as well as the creation of new projects relating to the casino industry in Europe, Karen Cooke said: “We are delighted to complete this agreement with the ECA which makes such an important contribution to the development of the industry in Europe. Our approach has always been to work with the market to build and create events that will make a real and telling contribution to businesses in the sector. This will be a dynamic and exciting partnership, which, I am certain, will result in tangible benefits for the European industry.”

Speaking on behalf of the ECA, Ron Goudsmit commented: “This represents an important development for the Association. The vast majority of our members are regular attendees at ICE and we enjoy a strong and positive relationship with the organising team. We look forward to working with Clarion Gaming and bringing enhanced benefits to our members and the industry as a whole.”