A representative from Northamptonshire Police has called for the industry to have greater involvement and participation with MachineGuard in order to tackle crime more effectively.
Speaking at MachineGuard's 10th National Security Symposium which took place in Coventry last week, Michael Downing of Northamptonshire Police said “a lot more operators need to be accessing and contributing to the MachineGuard database which is an invaluable tool for the police when dealing with criminals that travel around the country.”  Representatives from the Gambling Commission, also in attendance at the meeting, asked what percentage of the industry were accessing and contributing to the industry's national database and confirming that one of their objectives and a condition of an operator's licence is to keep all crime out of gambling.

The Symposium, which was attended by 25 people from 18 companies and organisations was chaired by Gary Pettengell, MD of MachineGuard-UK and top of the agenda was the plan to establish a cohesive national strategy to tackle crime in the gaming industry. 
Pettengell gave a demonstration of the new MachineGuard crime management system used to run the industry's national database and evidenced how it would help the Commission meet their objectives and operators tackle and reduce crime in the industry. He explained that MachineGuard dealt with all types of crime and incidents from anti-social behaviour to robbery and was able to provide the industry, Commission and police with statistics, suspicious activity reports, intelligence briefings, target profiles and briefing packages. The new system has a powerful search functionality and unique gallery system which allows the user to view comprehensive detailed information and high quality digital images of suspects and offenders to assist in identification.

Pettengell told the attendees “due to the development and upgrade to our system there won’t be a Chief Constable or senior ranking police officer in the UK who will not have heard of or studied MachineGuard in the next few weeks. It is now vital that the industry capitalises on this exposure at ACPO level and joins MachineGuard. We can drastically reduce crime in the industry by working together. The time has come for a national strategy meeting between the industry's key stakeholders, MachineGuard and the Commission.” He went on to say the gaming industry was in a unique position as it had been able to access a national crime database for 7 years whereas the retail sector was still looking to set up a national system.  
Pettengell concluded “MachineGuard is continuing to develop its crime reduction systems and over the next few months we expect to complete another of our security projects, the security kit and software database.  This unique system is now partly operational with Barcrest, Bell Fruit, Mazooma and Astra Games data already uploaded and soon to be completed with additional manufacturers' data to be uploaded shortly.  Once completed operators will be able to type in the name of a machine to find out exactly what software version it should be running on and all the security kits that should be fitted. This database should stop those criminals that target out of date machines to fund the development of major frauds.”

Merit Entertainment announces the arrival of its free 2008.5 software update for all ION and Force machines. Operators who purchased Merit’s 2008 software will receive the free update discs from their distributors. MegaNet operators have the added option to download the free spring update to all their broadband-connected IONs without needing to spend time and gas money driving out to their locations. Operators simply select the 2008.5 download on their MegaNet Web site and their work is done.

The spring software features new games, updated and enhanced trivia and photo content plus several “under the hood” improvements. Aside from the ease of remote downloading, MegaNet operators will also have exclusive access to 4 fresh Sneak Peek games in the coming months.



The 2008 Sneak Peek hits Beer Pong 21 and Luxor 2 are available for the first time to all operators with this release (due to the graphic demands of these games, they are only able to run on ION-level machines). In Beer Pong 21, players test their skill and accuracy while clearing 21 Beer Pong cups before time runs out. Luxor 2, the anticipated sequel to the #1 earning game of all 2007, takes players on a mystical journey through ancient Egypt. The non-stop action and fast-paced game play of both titles have already proven their value for the MegaNet operators who have now had access to these games for several months.

Lucky 11’s, the latest Sneak Peek title, will automatically appear on MegaNet-connected machines within a day of installing the 2008.5 update. The solitaire-inspired card game Spider Kings and its symbol version 13 Spiders will follow soon after. Chainz 2 Puzzler, a tricky and challenging twist on a Megatouch favorite, rounds out the 2009 Sneak Peek roster.

“With this software release we are able to fully deliver on our promise to operators of a seamless system download, saving the time and money of driving out to a location, just to update the software,” said Colin Higbie, Merit’s Director of Marketing. “For years we have provided strong life-long earnings on our countertops, but that’s only half the battle in maximizing total return on investment to operators. The other half is reducing the cost of ownership. With 2008.5, we’re doing both – Sneak Peek games and new content boost earnings, the broadband ION installation saves time and money.” 

New at Allstar Vending is the Foot & Ankle tattoos. It’s all about reflecting your attitude in your personal style and appearance,
our new Foot & Ankle tattoos can do just that. Not only are they trendy, but you can make a fashion statement by just wearing one.  It’s that easy! This new series of 10 brings you such great, cool and vibrant designs such as Dragon, Butterfly, Flower, Cat, Lizard, Cross, Bear, Apple & Heart, Ladybug, and Stars. Another bonus about these tattoos is that you get multiple tattoos  on each card, so that means you can also mix and match. You can also order your double sided display to go with this series.

This latest fashion craze has become the next must have for young girls and adults.
For a suggested 1.00 Euro vend.

For more information call Allstar vending at (800) 685-7066 or visit our website at www.allstarvending.com

UK Kiddie Ride specialists Jolly Roger launch Roary the Racing Car

Roary the Racing Car, is a new licensed ride based on the hit animation cartoon series currently showing on Milkshake (Channel 5) and Nick JR. The series was developed by Keith Chapman – the developer of Bob the Builder – and features the voices of Peter Kay and Sir Stirling Moss.

Roary is phenomenally popular with children in the 3 – 6 age range, and the remote-control toy car was one of the fastest selling toys at Christmas.

The single-seat ride features sound effects and the theme tune from the series, and a new innovative low-profile ride mechanism.

The 14th edition of the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Show (DEAL 2008), taking place this week at Dubai World Trade Centre, is making waves in the Middle East’s leisure industry, as water park specialists from around the globe converge on Dubai to showcase their wares.

“Water has always been seen as a luxury and something to be enjoyed here in the Middle East. Now, with mammoth tourism developments such as Dubailand taking shape, the market for water-based entertainment is about to surge,” said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of show organisers International Expo Consults (IEC).

“This year’s DEAL expo is testament to that fact, and we are proud to be welcoming some of the world’s leaders in water park technology to the show,” Falaknaz added.

UK-based Murphy’s Waves is one such exhibitor. The company is promoting its new Point Break Surf System at DEAL 2008.

“Murphy’s Waves plan to locate the new Point Break Surf System at prestigious locations around the world creating a professional surfing competition circuit with international media coverage, sponsorship and prizes. One such location for a Point Break Surf Pool would be in the Middle East and the DEAL convention will provide Murphy’s Waves Ltd with an ideal opportunity to discuss the opportunity with developers,” said Jim Stuart, Sales Director, Murphy’s Waves Ltd.

In recent years, Murphy’s Waves Ltd has designed and manufactured wave machines for several projects throughout the Middle East. The company installed the Family Wave Machine at Dubai’s Wild Wadi, an Action River Wave Machine at Kuwait Aqua Park, and a Survival Training Wave Machine at Abu Dhabi’s Survival Centre.

“The Middle East has now become the market for leisure and tourism, out-stripping even the more established locations such as the US, Spain and the long-haul destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Now, with more flight options than ever before, the Middle East is quickly becoming the preferred holiday destination for a whole new generation of families. This increase in tourism will create a demand for high-quality amusement and leisure facilities, leading to continued growth in the industry,” said Stuart.

“As the world leaders in wave machine technology, Murphy’s Waves are looking forward to continued growth in the water park and leisure sectors throughout the region,” he added.

DEAL 2008 will welcome some 200 exhibitors, all showcasing the very latest in entertainment, amusement and leisure products. DEAL takes place from April 20-22 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition is open to trade only and admission is free.

DEAL shows have the support of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the premier international trade association representing permanently situated amusement facilities and the manufacturers and suppliers that serve them globally.

DEAL is also supported by the Amusement Industry Council of Europe, including Association Fabricantes Y Exp. Maquinas de la Foia de Bunyol, Associazone Nazionale Costruttori Attrezzature, Spettcoli Viaggianti; Amusement & Leisure Equipment Suppliers of the UK; American Amusement Manufacturers Assocation); International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment; India Association of Amusement Parks & Industries; and the World Waterpark Association.