Park Show International 2004
The 11th edition of PARK SHOW INTERNATIONAL, important business event for the amusement park, theme park, water park, fairground and travelling show trade, was promoted in Rimini last week. In 2004, the expo will focus on small to average sized moving attractions and games which have low environmental impact and accessible costs, are easily transported and can be replaced through time. This is based on close study of the most recent market trends, which showed a preference for leisure structures which are compact or even built into locations such as shopping centres, mega stores, multiplexes, hotels, tourist villages, restaurants and agritourism venues, not to mention museums and science centres.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=315

ENADA Spring 2004 promotion
Promotion of the 16th edition of the ENADA Spring International Coin-op Show being held in Rimini from 26th to 29th February 2004 has begun. The SAPAR-AGIS expo organized by Rimini Fiera Spa will showcase new products from 300 exhibitors in an area of 35,000 square metres.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=314

Open European Poker Championship for Casino Employees
Mikohn Gaming Corporation is the proud sponsor of the Mikohn Open European Poker Championship. This tournament will run from the 1st to the 4th of September 2003 in Holland Casino Scheveningen. This Poker Championship is exclusive to casino employees with competitors from more than fifty casinos across Europe expected to play.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=316

IGT lcquires license to develop Star Wars Gaming Machine
IGT, a subsidiary of International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT), announced a contract with Lucasfilm Ltd. that will allow IGT to create a gaming machine based on the Star Wars movie series.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=317

Win Money by Playing a Video Game!
Sega Amusements Europe Ltd have two revolutionary Video Payout/SWP machines, which are about to storm the industry. Initially launched into the United Kingdom as cash payout SWP’s with a maximum payout of £40, there are plans to manufacture different version of these machines as Video Payout with a higher maximum payout for the gambling areas of Easter Europe and as redemption games issuing tickets or tokens. The game is also fully Euro complaint so rather than paying out it can payout 40 Euro.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=313

Fortune Magazine Ranks Shuffle Master
Shuffle Master, Inc. has been named one of America's 100 Fastest Growing Small Companies by FORTUNE SMALL BUSINESS(C) (FSB) magazine. The list of all ranked companies appears in the FSB July/August 2003 edition.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=312

Second Italy Congress by Photo Play
For the second time round funworld Italy SRL organized its own Photo Play congress for its best and most important Italian distributors and clients. This year the three-day event with its interesting as well as varied programme was held from 12th to 15th June in Porto Rotondo (Sardinia).
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=311

Penny Falls has been redesigned for 2003
Cromptons have re-created their most famous coin-pusher, Penny Falls, which has been redesigned for 2003 with a total of 12 playing positions. The machine is a limited edition and features a double coin-entry mechanism for 'dual coin play' and each playfield is of a size suitable for all types of coins and are capable of delivering an array of winners playfield merchandise.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=310

FER-INTERAZAR Trade Fair in October 2003
Companies of the Bingo Sector and those related to the New Technologies of Innovative Games will be the highlights at the International Trade Fair, FER-INTERAZAR 2003, which will held on the 1, 2 and 3rd of October, in IFEMA's Trades Fair Pavilion, "Juan Carlos I", Madrid, Spain.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=308

HAPP CONTROLS appoints ASI as its Distributor
Happ Controls is pleased to announce the appointment of Amusement Services International (ASI) as it's official distributor for the Middle East, CIS and Africa. ASI already represents several key amusement brands including SEGA, GAELCO, ICE, BAYTEK and IE Park Rides.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=307

Mikohn Terminates Agreement with Aristocrat
Mikohn Gaming Corporation (NASDAQ: MIKN) today announced that it has amicably terminated its joint development and service agreements with Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Under the agreement, Aristocrat was to have supplied hardware for Mikohn's licensed recurring revenue products in certain North American jurisdictions. In addition, a subsequent agreement called for Aristocrat to assume service, maintenance and refurbishing of Mikohn's gaming products. Aristocrat will uphold its agreement to provide their MVX platform games to Mikohn for the forthcoming rollout of Mikohn's YAHTZEE(R) game in specific new jurisdictions.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=309

ESRB Strengthens Video Game Rating System
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) announced advances to the computer and video game rating system last week designed to provide parents and other consumers with a new and unprecedented level of detail about game content. The changes include the addition of four new ESRB content descriptors - short, standardized phrases printed on the back of game boxes that alert consumers to content elements that may be of interest or concern - and new, bolder labels intended to draw consumer attention to those content descriptors. The rating system changes were developed in consultation with experts from both inside and outside the interactive entertainment software industry, including child development experts and family advocates.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=305

Coinless Slot Machines in Atlantic City
Yesterday the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Opened in Atlantic City, NJ and was the first casino in the area to use all coinless slot machines.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=304

Detroit Casinos offer mixed bag of boom and bust
Almost three years after casinos were legalized in the city, critics say they have failed to generate the kind of boost in tourism and revenue that proponents had promised. Supporters argue casinos generate jobs, provide revenue sources for their many suppliers and are keeping money in state that would otherwise have been spent elsewhere.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=301

Gaming and Casinos World Asia Pacific 2003
In 2002, over 200 senior casino and gaming executives converged in beautiful Singapore to set the agenda for this burgeoning industry. Now in its 8th year, Gaming and Casinos World is the pre-eminent annual event for the gaming and casinos industry of Asia.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=303

RAAPA International Exhibition & Conference
Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) will host an International Conference and Trade Show "Amusement Industry Development in Russia" in Gelendjik (Black Sea Coast), September 21-23, 2003.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=302

ATEI 2004 will expand
ATEI organisers have unveiled plans which could see next year's London show expand to include the upper level of Earls Court 1. The space, which has become available due to the relocation of the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) into the bigger Earls Court 2 hall, has been earmarked as an 'overspill' area as organisers battle to satisfy the space requirements of companies wanting to be part of the 2004 London spectacular.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=299

ICE 2004 will expand
The 2004 International Casino Exhibition (ICE) is already looking like a sell-out event with six months still remaining until the doors open at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Show organisers, ATE have declared that sales of ICE floor space are at a very advanced stage, already four months ahead of the same amount recorded for last January's event.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=300

Keep striving to make Italy Amusement Industry better
The active Italy amusement market is down recently on the effect of the 388/00 regulation issued in the beginning of this year. Actually, although the business is not so prosperous now, it never stops. The manufacturers and operators have all adjusted their strategies according to the incomplete regulations.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=306

Stella International Announces New AWP
Stella International, a member of the Gauselmann Group is proud to announce the approval of its latest AWP machine for the Czech Republic, Royal Castle. The approval was issued by the Czech administration office (EZU) June 18th, 2003. Royal Castle caused a tremendous interest at the "World of Entertainment" in Prague, when unveiled at the stand of Stella and their Czech partners, Hornet and Lekram.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=298

GSA Releases New Version of SAS(TM) Gaming Machine Protocol
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA), an international trade organization dedicated to ensuring open standards and communication in the gaming industry, announces the immediate release of the GSA SAS(TM) 6.01 specification. This is the latest version of its gaming communications protocol that allows for communication between gaming machines and slot accounting and monitoring systems. The release offers enhancements to address new industry and regulatory requirements relating to the recently adopted Nevada regulations.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=297

European operators to have one voice
Finland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, UK and Austria are the countries from where operators have come together to form a new Operators Organisation for Europe as a division of the EGO organisation.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=296

IGT and Acres Gaming Announce Merger Agreement
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) (IGT) and Acres Gaming Incorporated (Nasdaq: AGAM) announced today that the Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive agreement pursuant to which Acres will merge with a subsidiary of International Game Technology. Under the terms of the agreement, IGT will pay $11.50 per share in an all cash transaction, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $130 million on a fully diluted share basis. IGT estimates that the transaction will be neutral to slightly accretive to earnings per share on a full year basis, subject to final purchase accounting adjustments.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=295

Coin-op Concerns - Consorzio Gioco Founded
Consorzio Gioco was founded when five companies located in various areas of central-northern Italy joined forces to face the challenge of the new regulations on coin-op games. Bernardi Eugenio, Favola, TBM Elettronica, ATC and GM exhibited together at Enada Primavera, sharing a stand covering 300 square metres and offering a completely new image in the coin-op industry.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=294

Mikohn Gaming introduces TRIVIAL PURSUIT
Mikohn Gaming Corporation today announced that DGE Laboratories has concluded its evaluation of the TRIVIAL PURSUIT(R) Easy as Pie(TM) game and has granted Mikohn full approval to place the game throughout the New Jersey casino market.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=292

New Game Mobile Phone
ATELAB Research Group unveils the first details about Chameleon - a new mobile phone for players. The device operates in two positions; vertical as a mobile phone and horizontal as a game console.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=293

SN Systems Signs Technical Alliance With Sega
Last week, SN systems, an independent games software tool producer based in Bristol, England announced it has opened a dedicated office in Tokyo and signed a technical alliance with games developer and publisher giant Sega.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=289

DSA Forces Arcade Game Manual Archive Offline
Coin-operated video game manual and technical information archive Stormaster.com was shut down by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) on Friday. The site was taken down because of infrigements to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=288

Microsoft CEO Quashes Sega Buy-Out Rumours
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced at a conference in Redmond, Washington that his company has no intention of buying a majority stake in Sega, putting an apparent end to one of the game industry's most pervasive buyout rumors. "There are no plans for that," the Kyodo news service quoted him as saying at the conference. "I don't think that will happen."
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=287

Mikohn Gaming signs an agreement with DP Stud Inc.
Mikohn Gaming Corporation (NASDAQ: MIKN), producer of table games, today announced that it has entered into a joint development, licensing and marketing agreement with DP Stud Incorporated, the well-known exclusive licensee of the CARIBBEAN STUD table game in Nevada.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=291

RAAPA International Exhibition & Conference
Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) will host an International Conference and Trade Show "Amusement Industry Development in Russia" in Gelendjik (Black Sea Coast), September 21-23, 2003.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=302

ATEI 2004 will expand
ATEI organisers have unveiled plans which could see next year's London show expand to include the upper level of Earls Court 1. The space, which has become available due to the relocation of the International Casino Exhibition (ICE) into the bigger Earls Court 2 hall, has been earmarked as an 'overspill' area as organisers battle to satisfy the space requirements of companies wanting to be part of the 2004 London spectacular.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=299

ICE 2004 will expand
The 2004 International Casino Exhibition (ICE) is already looking like a sell-out event with six months still remaining until the doors open at London's Earls Court Exhibition Centre. Show organisers, ATE have declared that sales of ICE floor space are at a very advanced stage, already four months ahead of the same amount recorded for last January's event.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=300

Keep striving to make Italy Amusement Industry better
The active Italy amusement market is down recently on the effect of the 388/00 regulation issued in the beginning of this year. Actually, although the business is not so prosperous now, it never stops. The manufacturers and operators have all adjusted their strategies according to the incomplete regulations.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=306

Stella International Announces New AWP
Stella International, a member of the Gauselmann Group is proud to announce the approval of its latest AWP machine for the Czech Republic, Royal Castle. The approval was issued by the Czech administration office (EZU) June 18th, 2003. Royal Castle caused a tremendous interest at the "World of Entertainment" in Prague, when unveiled at the stand of Stella and their Czech partners, Hornet and Lekram.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=298

GSA Releases New Version of SAS(TM) Gaming Machine Protocol
The Gaming Standards Association (GSA), an international trade organization dedicated to ensuring open standards and communication in the gaming industry, announces the immediate release of the GSA SAS(TM) 6.01 specification. This is the latest version of its gaming communications protocol that allows for communication between gaming machines and slot accounting and monitoring systems. The release offers enhancements to address new industry and regulatory requirements relating to the recently adopted Nevada regulations.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=297

European operators to have one voice
Finland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Switzerland, UK and Austria are the countries from where operators have come together to form a new Operators Organisation for Europe as a division of the EGO organisation.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=296

IGT and Acres Gaming Announce Merger Agreement
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) (IGT) and Acres Gaming Incorporated (Nasdaq: AGAM) announced today that the Boards of Directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive agreement pursuant to which Acres will merge with a subsidiary of International Game Technology. Under the terms of the agreement, IGT will pay $11.50 per share in an all cash transaction, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $130 million on a fully diluted share basis. IGT estimates that the transaction will be neutral to slightly accretive to earnings per share on a full year basis, subject to final purchase accounting adjustments.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=295

Coin-op Concerns - Consorzio Gioco Founded
Consorzio Gioco was founded when five companies located in various areas of central-northern Italy joined forces to face the challenge of the new regulations on coin-op games. Bernardi Eugenio, Favola, TBM Elettronica, ATC and GM exhibited together at Enada Primavera, sharing a stand covering 300 square metres and offering a completely new image in the coin-op industry.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=294

Mikohn Gaming introduces TRIVIAL PURSUIT
Mikohn Gaming Corporation today announced that DGE Laboratories has concluded its evaluation of the TRIVIAL PURSUIT(R) Easy as Pie(TM) game and has granted Mikohn full approval to place the game throughout the New Jersey casino market.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=292

New Game Mobile Phone
ATELAB Research Group unveils the first details about Chameleon - a new mobile phone for players. The device operates in two positions; vertical as a mobile phone and horizontal as a game console.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=293

SN Systems Signs Technical Alliance With Sega
Last week, SN systems, an independent games software tool producer based in Bristol, England announced it has opened a dedicated office in Tokyo and signed a technical alliance with games developer and publisher giant Sega.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=289

DSA Forces Arcade Game Manual Archive Offline
Coin-operated video game manual and technical information archive Stormaster.com was shut down by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA) on Friday. The site was taken down because of infrigements to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=288

Microsoft CEO Quashes Sega Buy-Out Rumours
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced at a conference in Redmond, Washington that his company has no intention of buying a majority stake in Sega, putting an apparent end to one of the game industry's most pervasive buyout rumors. "There are no plans for that," the Kyodo news service quoted him as saying at the conference. "I don't think that will happen."
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=287

Mikohn Gaming signs an agreement with DP Stud Inc.
Mikohn Gaming Corporation (NASDAQ: MIKN), producer of table games, today announced that it has entered into a joint development, licensing and marketing agreement with DP Stud Incorporated, the well-known exclusive licensee of the CARIBBEAN STUD table game in Nevada.
http://www.amuport.com/index.php?ids=291