BINGO LINK The only magazine produced for the bingo industry Issue 62 July 2003 Gaming technology: G2E 2003: Shaping the future: Exciting new developments What’s in store? Inside the DCMS paper Gross profit tax update Gordon Brown’s final decision many operators moving betting, and that a new the Chancellor had missed. on a gross profit tax for the offshore. On 6 October 2001, system would need to reduce Newspapers reported the bingo industry was a long General Betting Duty, a 6.75 the tax burden for bingo and misleading nature of time coming – 12 months, per cent tax on total stakes, be carefully thought through. the Budget Statement to be exact – and has not was replaced with a 15 per Despite months of consultation announcement on delivered what was expected. cent tax on bookmakers’ gross with the industry, the final bingo, revealing the real (the legislation implementing On 9 April the Chancellor profits. The impact was swift, ruling has not provided the implications. A number of the measures announced in concluded a process which with Government evaluation promised win for players and operators also wrote directly the Budget) in Parliament on he had started in his 2002 showing that 2,000 jobs had operators. It has, instead, to their MPs registering their 13 May. Stephen O’Brien, Spring Budget statement, been created and that left us with players whose dissatisfaction. The BA MP for Eddisbury, provided announcing that he was turnover had risen by 46 per expectations of much higher strongly felt that the with detailed briefing by the considering extending the cent, benefiting operators, prize levels cannot be Government had not fully Association, put forward same tax benefits to the players and the Treasury. delivered, and a number of understood the cases it put three alternative amendments bingo industry as had been Having delivered positive operators concerned about to Customs and Excise and to . These reflected afforded to pools and betting. results for all involved, Gordon higher tax bills. made this point in discussions more accurately the Betting had been lobbying Brown clearly wanted to The Bingo Association’s with the Treasury. discussions that had taken hard to have its tax regime repeat the success with bingo. condemnation of the 9 April A briefing, entitled ‘A Fair place with the industry and simplified and for the overall The industry made clear that announcement, issued on Shout For Bingo’, was were more consistent with rate of tax to be reduced, there were no obvious the same day, highlighted the circulated to MPs ahead of what had originally been backed up by the threat of parallels between bingo and opportunity for growth that the reading of the Finance Bill o Continued on Page 4

The Bingo Association and National Bingo Game Annual General Meetings 2003 Moving to a new venue for April Budget of a 15 per cent with the current plans that 2003, this year’s AGMs Gross Profit Tax and continued the Board has for evolving reflected the growing VAT charging, was the into the Gambling recognition of bingo’s Treasury’s Economic Minister Commission when the new importance in society, with John Healey. Mr Healey Gambling Bill sees the light a number of high profile indicated that the current of day. He also tried to speakers appearing at the strain on the public purse assure members worried event. Among the guests following the war against about the threat of who came to speak at the Iraq was a reason why the competition from casinos in impressive Queen Elizabeth Chancellor had retained the Government’s proposals Chairman of The Gaming Board, Peter Dean CBE addresses the delegates II Conference Centre in VAT on par fees, an by describing the bingo London were two ministers, explanation that failed to business as ‘remarkably under new legislation and by the Gambling Industry an opposition spokesperson satisfy those attending. robust’ during both good does not want to adversely Charitable Trust in the new and the chairman of the The Chairman of The and bad trading conditions. affect the ‘significant Gambling Bill, echoing the country’s gambling regulator. Gaming Board, Peter Dean, Richard Caborn of the business that clubs have points raised by the Bingo Perhaps the most eagerly also took the opportunity to DCMS was the second built up during the years’. Association’s Sir Peter Fry in awaited speaker at the event, address the Associations’ minister of the day to speak. The minister in charge of his Chairman’s report at the following the disappointing AGMs once again. Mr Dean He told delegates that he gambling also stressed the start of the day, and urged

tax announcement in the brought members up to date wants the industry to thrive importance of the role played o Continued on Page 6 10 mini digital cameras to be won! see page 11 news

The National Game Bingo in the news Quarterly news and update from Chief Executive, Paul Talboys The last issue of Bingo Link was announced, as this is not what players published at the end of March, giving and the industry had been led to believe Our last Big Game on 30 March was a great success, details of media coverage obtained for in the 12 months running up to the producing a £500,000 prize for a lucky player at Mecca, January, February and March. April 2003 Budget. All UK Members of Talbot Road, Blackpool and regional prizes of over £2,000. Unfortunately our news monitoring Parliament have been briefed on the The variable stake software performed well, despite service was unable to give us details of subject and a number of local MPs are teething problems, providing the National Game with coverage for the second quarter (April, now coming forward to support clubs much needed stake flexibility and better control over prizes. May and June) at the time of going to in their constituencies. The current crucial issue is that of GPT. The Chancellor’s press. However, it is clear to see that it May was also a good month for Budget announcement has been seen by many as a has been a busy period for bingo. coverage, which was firmly focused on U-turn by the Government who have deceived and misled April saw the Budget announcement women’s weekly magazines, with three the industry in the run-up to this ruling being announced. made on bingo Gross Profit Tax (GPT) key features appearing in Chat, Bella There is a role for everyone in the industry in making which stimulated a great deal of and Take a Break magazines. One of sure that this matter is revisited and it is important that coverage in all daily national these was our £950,000 Big Game winner we work hard to keep the issue high profile. newspapers. There has also been follow- from December 2002. Local coverage has I hope to be able to write to you in the coming weeks up coverage on this subject. The Bingo also been strong as a number of winners confirming details of our next Big Game in October. Association has brought pressure to have been encouraged by their club An influencing factor will be the results of the consumer bear on HM Treasury to review what was managers to agree to publicity. research that will be taking place shortly and will give us a clearer picture of who is playing, who is not playing, why and what might encourage them to try bingo or go more often. This research will also have an Biker Bingo in impact on the script of a new television commercial that is being developed to sit alongside our existing Bournemouth executions (football mum and army assault course) and is due to air in October. Yukio Kagayama, of Team I hope that you all have a Rizla Suzuki paid a visit to good summer and enjoy Club Grand in Bournemouth any leave that you can on 14 March. The Superbike manage to take. rider had always wanted to have a go at bingo and was National Bingo Game: key statistics joined at the club by a film Total prize money since the game began £738,549,521 crew for satellite and cable Total prize money played for in 2002 £51,350,136 channel Men and Motors, Yukio Kagayama and Club Grand Managing Partner Simon Bartlam Total prize money played for in 2003 to date (May) £20,147,818 Biggest single prize £950,000 who wanted to capture the Bournemouth area, will this year, riding a Suzuki the experience. be taking part in the British GSX-R1000 at speeds of Biggest games for 2002 Yukio, who lives locally in Superbike Championships up to 200mph. Tuesday 30 April with ticket sales of 940,039 Tuesday 28 May with ticket sales of 915,514

Biggest games to date for 2003 Sunday 27 April with ticket sales of 825,523 Sunday 26 January with ticket sales of 795,373 Diary dates 2003/2004  Warner 8 July The Bingo Association 15–16 Oct The Betting Show holiday Golf Challenge National Motorcycle BINGO LINK is published by the The Bingo 16–18 July Asian Amusement Museum, Birmingham, UK winner Association, Lexham House, 75 High Street North, Expo 2003, Suntec Int 11–12 Nov European i-Gaming Thank you to all who Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JF. Exhibition Centre, Singapore Congress and Expo. entered our competition Tel: 01582 860921. Fax: 01582 860925. Tel +65 6322 2749 Hotel Rey, Juan Carlos, Email: [email protected] www.aae-expo.com Barcelona, Spain for a Warner Holidays Editor Steven Baldwin Classic Resort 16–18 Sept G2E Gaming Expo, Las Vegas Convention 2004 break for two. Produced by Axon Publishing Ltd, 11 Plough Yard, London EC2A 3LP. 12-14 Jan Euro Amusement The lucky winner is Tel: 020 7684 7111. Email: [email protected] Center, Las Vegas, USA www.globalgamingexpo.com Show Paris-Nord Villepinte, Helena Donkin from Reproduction in whole or part strictly prohibited without the Paris, France permission of the publishers. Views expressed are not 18 Oct Bingo for Breakthrough Hearns Bingo, Jarrow, necessarily those of The Bingo Association or Axon Publishing Bingo Association national 27-29 Jan ATEI & ICE who we hope will enjoy Ltd. Prices and information correct at date of publication, but charity fund-raising week Earls Court, London, UK her weekend away. subject to change.

2 news Dream night at Gala Bingo, Bognor Regis

It was a full house at Gala Bingo, Upper Bognor Road, on Monday, 17 March, as the Club opened the doors of its Butlins Bognor Regis site for the first time. serial murderer , (played by actor Brian Capron), was there to officially open the Club – and, to top it all off, one lucky lady won over £19,000 on the Dream Ticket! Clockwise from above: delighted The winner was 51-year-old Dream Ticket winner Brenda Hegaty Brenda Hegaty from Bognor poses with Coronation Street villain Brian Capron who wielded the Regis, who works on the scissors at the opening ceremony; members and staff get into the spirit switchboard at Butlins. She at the opening night celebrations was at the Club with a crowd and his girlfriend on one too. off the night perfectly,’ of workmates and says that ‘It was a fantastic event, says Mike McStay, she is still ‘on cloud nine’ in which all 600 guests General Manager of wonderful night since her big win. Brenda is thoroughly enjoyed Gala Bingo Bognor. and we're pleased to be able £19,000 made the opening going to treat herself to themselves. Then, of course, Martin Plummer, Resort to offer Gala Bingo to all our night even more special for a holiday with her sister and we had the Dream Ticket Director at Butlins Bognor guests. The fact that one of us and we hope Brenda also plans to send her son winner, which really finished Regis adds: ‘It was a the Butlins team won over enjoys every penny of it!’

H A L L O W E E Sales Line 01302 884357 Ace Ltd, Unit 1 Croft Court, Sandall Carr Rd, Kirk Sandall Ind Est, Doncaster DN3 1QL email: [email protected] N news Gross profit tax o Continued from Page 1 Chancellor’s promise was the day indicated that there promised. He spoke at length honoured.’ He also pointed was still room for manoeuvre, on behalf of the industry and out that the Government’s stating that ‘current changes was joined by several other position meant that the many were not necessarily a full backbench MPs, a number women who play bingo would stop’ and that operators of whom mentioned pay almost twice as much tax should provide comment and correspondence from their as men did at the betting feedback backed up by ‘sound local clubs. However, the shop. He said, ‘Labour and argument and sound reason’. between the Treasury and amendment failed, with 134 Lib Dem MPs will have some As a result of intensive the BA. This will examine the MPs for and 336 against. explaining to do if they go industry consultation, the plight of the smaller clubs Following the debate near their local bingo club.’ Treasury has decided to and continue to monitor the industry with both political Stephen O’Brien, in his The brief circulated to MPs amend one aspect of the impact of GPT and help and broader communities, it capacity as Shadow Minister was also published on the new system, which would provide a basis for further is vital that we ensure they for the Treasury, said, ‘This home page of ePolitix, an have introduced ‘double negotiations. are constantly reminded of week during proceedings on online political community taxation’. This brings an extra The BA feels that it has a the consequences for players the Finance Bill, the Tories used by MPs, civil servants £10m of tax relief to the continuing task and that the and the industry of not unsuccessfully tried to and those interested in industry and the total industry application of both GPT and amending the new GPT amend the planned changes government, on the day of tax saving to more than £30 VAT is unfair to the bingo regime further. All those to get rid of the VAT element. the Finance Bill reading and million a year. However, the sector and it will continue involved with the industry will This would have put bingo in received a direct response underlying issue of VAT on to work towards this being need to help ensure a ‘fair the same tax position as all from the Treasury. John par fees remains. rectified, particularly as the shout for bingo’. other forms of gambling and, Healey, Economic Secretary, In order to try and avoid industry could well face For up-to-date news on GPT according to both the Tories addressed the BA Annual future misunderstandings the further taxation on machines. issues, please visit The Bingo and The Bingo Association, General Meeting the day after minister has suggested that a Having raised awareness of Association’s website at made sure that the the response. His speech on joint working party be set up the issues facing the bingo www.bingo-association.co.uk.

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Annual General Meetings 2003 o Continued from Page 1 everyone to get behind the organisation. A splendid buffet lunch, courtesy of ECM Systems and NRMi, also brought some levity to the proceedings via the thoughts and reminiscences of Roy Ramm, Compliance and Security Director at Clockwise from left: delegates being entertained by Roy Ramm during their lunch break; Breakthrough Breast Cancer, The London Clubs International. Bingo Association’s charity for 2003; (from left) Derek Westcott, He entertained members with Rick Van Hasselt, Chris Barr and Brian King some far-fetched anecdotes detailed the way he believed marketing firm The Henley about his time with the Gordon Brown had gone back Centre, who informed Metropolitan Police and even on his word. The Conservative members of the future composed a rhyme with a spokesperson also appealed market for bingo. He bingo theme before it was to club owners to tell their suggested that the ageing time to return to the strikingly members that Labour and of the population as a stylish hall to listen to Shadow Lib Dem MPs voted against whole and the increased Minister for Sport & Tourism a fairer tax deal for bingo methods of supplying bingo John Greenway MP. proposed by his Party. products to customers mean Mr Greenway reflected the The day was fittingly that there are a lot of displeasure felt by members rounded off by Martin opportunities for members over the botched handling Hayward, the Chairman of the industry in the future of bingo tax reform and of research and strategic gaming regime and beyond.

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6 news Bingo Caller of the Year 2003 Fifty contestants will battle it out at several radio and hotel, which looks out directly ambassador for the bingo the regional heats before the final television programmes on to the River Thames and industry, for which they will five compete for the coveted title at in his role as Tower Bridge. After a receive media training, the November’s big finale, where judges ambassador for the welcoming dinner with the winner will also receive a will include 2002 winner Peter Lewis bingo industry. His judging panel and spending a fantastic week-long trip for performance in Las pleasant evening getting to two to the USA, taking in The search has already for this year’s winner, Vegas was a huge know each other, they will be the glittering cities of Los begun to find this year’s and he certainly success, and off the following morning to Angeles and Las Vegas, Bingo Caller of the Year, and knows what the judges although he will be Gala Bingo in Surrey Quays, plus £500 spending money the 50 callers who have are looking for: ‘You sad to hand over his south-east London, where and the chance to join the made it through the initial need to have the respect title, he is looking the final is being held. select band of on-screen entry stage are now being of your fellow industry forward to seeing As well as taking on the callers of the Sunday asked to prepare their video members; display a warm how the judging role of spokesperson and evening National Game! entries, in which they will and interesting personality; procedure works endeavour to portray that be in possession of a good from the other side. Regional finals special blend of charm, calling voice; have the charm The regional final stage of friendliness and to keep the audience the competition will take Scotland 26 September, Premier Bingo, professionalism that the entertained should anything place during September and Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland judges are looking out for. go wrong and, most October, with the National Northern 2 October, Buckingham Bingo, Bradford Last year’s winner, Peter importantly, have a good Final being held in London Midlands 3 October, Mecca, Acocks Green, Lewis from Castle Bingo basic knowledge of the rules on the last weekend in Birmingham Club in Newport Road, and regulations of the game.’ November. On Saturday the Wales 9 October, Castle Bingo Club, Cardiff, is looking forward to Peter has represented the 29th the five finalists, with Newport Road, Cardiff taking his place on the bingo industry both here and their partners, will be invited South 10 October, Shipley’s Bingo, Reading judging panel in the search abroad and taken part in to the luxurious Thistle Tower

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of people who stopped lack of funds. ORC playing jackpot machines. International’s interpretation New GamblerTrack Despite the decline in of this is that with so much players, both fruit and jackpot choice, consumers are machines have experienced participating in a variety of an increase in the average gaming activities. This will survey findings number of playing occasions mean that not all players can per person per annum. This afford to stay faithful to every In the last issue of Bingo Link indicates that more occasional game they have ever shown we heard from ORC players have been lost than an interest in. International what its regular players. The average Also of critical importance GamblerTrack survey had What are the facts? study investigates the number of playing occasions is the fact that the profile of revealed about current bingo Young males account for a reasons why people stop or for fruit machines in 2002 rose the typical player is so trends. The survey covers disproportionately high start participating in each to 45.2 from 38.3 in 2001. For narrow. Young males are a all gaming and gambling number of slot activity activity. This revealed jackpot machines the relatively fickle market as activities in the UK, including players. More than 70 per that the main reason average number of their preferences are slots, and has been running cent are male, and more people moved away playing occasions increasingly veering towards for seven years. than half (55 per cent) of from slot activity in jumped to 43 from online gambling. Changes in The most recent wave took these are aged 18-34, with 2002 was because 32.8 in 2001. regulation may go some way place in September 2002 just one in 10 (12 per cent) they simply couldn’t to ensuring that the profile of among a representative aged over 55. afford to keep Why the the typical player evolves to sample of UK adults, and the In 2002 the number of playing. A fifth (21 downturn? embrace both genders and findings revealed a wealth of people playing fruit machines per cent) of players It is interesting all age groups, helping to information. Particularly decreased by a fifth (21.9 per who stopped that the main sustain the popularity of slot interesting was the fact that cent) and the number of those playing fruit reason people machine activity. slot activity is experiencing a playing jackpot machines machines cited have been ● To purchase the report, downturn, while other gaming decreased by 3.8 per cent. this as the main moving away contact Sayrian Connell on activities – bingo and betting – To find out what motivates reason, as did a from slot activity 020 7675 1153 or visit the are becoming more popular. players, the GamblerTrack third (31 per cent) is because of a website www.orc.co.uk.

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feature

and the inherently international nature of 21st century telecommunications.’ Remote gambling in The section on cross border gambling also contains a clear statement from the DCMS on the always ambiguous question of where online gambling Britain is getting closer takes place. The DCMS has taken the stance that ‘the regulated activity takes By Phil Fraser, i-Ludus Consulting security, player screening, reality on the issue of what, technologically, place where the operator is based’. The future regulation of online gaming checks, responsible management, needs be based in the UK. Primary On advertising, the DCMS says was glimpsed when the DCMS site content filtering, play for fun servers must be UK based in order to that the Gambling Commission will revealed its position paper The Future games and payment methods. Player allow inspectors to physically access monitor the rules but will follow the Regulation of Remote Gambling. identification has a dedicated section, them. The gaming itself and critical E-commerce Directive, as well as Remote gambling? Is that the new looking at the options and possibilities records (the RNG game logic payouts/ take advice from industry bodies like bingo hall in The Outer Hebrides? available. It seems that draconian games/financial records audits reports the ITC and the ASA. Only licensed No, it’s the term that the DCMS is measures like passport identification and game management software) operators will be allowed to advertise now using to pull together the concept have been, quite rightly, dismissed must all be held on these servers. in the UK. Finally, the document covers of online gaming and all its other as unworkable. Despite the lack of Some of the DCMS’s most unlicensed premises being used monikers (i-gambling/e-gaming/ real evidence, the topic of money refreshing thinking is on the issue of ‘primarily’ for remote gambling. wireless gambling etc). The document, laundering also gets its own section, how the UK’s jurisdiction on online The only disappointment in the running to 28 pages, gives a with licensees expected to follow games affects other countries. The document is the area of taxes. Again, ‘snapshot of the government’s view’ although the DCMS acknowledges to date as well as many pointers to Let’s hope that the DCMS how important this will be to the the legislative structure that is being success or failure of a British-based proposed for a British-based remote work bodes well for the remote gambling industry, Customs gambling industry. The majority of establishment of a world- and Excise still cannot say what the the document confirms much of what appropriate level of taxation for has been expected, but the thinking leading, British-based remote gambling will be. and understanding that is contained remote gambling industry Until very recently it was expected in it are refreshing. Contrast this with that a Gambling Bill, including the ‘head-in-the-sand’, prohibitionist advice to be issued by the Gambling DCMS has come to the right legislation on remote gambling, would attitude of our transatlantic friends Commission, taken from other more conclusion on attempting to regulate be introduced in the 2003/2004 and you’ll see what I mean. specialised agencies. and police international, online gaming. session, with royal assent in Summer The key point to the proposed On the topic of technology (systems Explaining the background and the 2004. However, the full Bill has been remote gambling legislation will be and software approval) it’s confirmed thought process behind the decision, put back ‘12 months at the most’ that the Gambling Commission will that testing will be sub-contracted to the DCMS has opted for the totally because of ‘the congested legislative deal with the detailed regulatory specialists in the field. The document free market approach, meaning that programme’. Let’s hope that the work measures and procedures, while the lists a dozen areas that will be subject there will be no country blacklists. of the DCMS bodes well for the Gambling Bill itself will only create a to testing but once an RNG has been On the desirability or practicality of establishment of a world-leading, framework within which the rules will approved, each new game played on prohibition, and with a jibe at the British-based remote gambling industry. be set. The Gambling Commission that RNG will not require to be tested USA, it says ‘[it flies] in the face of ● i-Ludus Consulting, tel 0113 368 will be expected to issue codes of and approved. The DCMS is also clear the reality of international banking 0693; email [email protected]. practice (with the ability to revise them quickly to reflect technological changes), will issue operator and Leading industry supplier up for awards personal licences (there will be three remote gambling licence categories – PMS International has been nominated for Gift of gaming, betting and lotteries) and will the Year and Best Gift for Kids. The Basildon-based Candid camera have powers of entry, search and company produces 1,500 different soft toys as well PMS has kindly provided 10 mini digital cameras seizure from licensees. Licence costs as 4,500 other lines. PMS caused a stir when its for lucky readers to win. Attach it to a key ring are yet to be determined and existing controversial Dirty Bertie figurine featured in an then capture friends and colleagues unawares! licensed gaming operators will not episode of cult TV comedy The Office. Soft toy To enter the competition please send your name automatically qualify for a new buyer Steve Beverley says, ‘We are honoured to be and club address, either on the form sent remote gambling licence. chosen for this award. This is the second time we with Bingo Link, or on a postcard to: The DCMS, reflecting government have been nominated and last time we won with PMS Competition, and public concern, covers the a selection of toys that raised money for the Bingo Link issues of player protection (both National Society for the Protection of Children.’ Lexham House, underage and problem gamblers) The winner will be chosen in late July, when 75 High Street North, and security in great detail. It comedienne Ruby Wax will present the prizes at a Dunstable, Beds highlights its thinking on privacy, gala dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel, organised by LU6 1JF. competition sponsors The Giftware Association.

11 feature Cutting-edge technology Many believe that bingo is one of the UK’s best kept secrets and those who are not ‘in on it’ have all manner of misconceived ideas as to what it is really like, the vast majority of which are very out of date. The most commonly held belief is that bingo is only for women of a certain age, with a certain hairstyle, who sit in gloomy surroundings, watching numbers printed on ping-pong balls being drawn out of a wire basket with air blowing through it – very outdated! Bingo lingo and blowers have long since departed the main stages of licensed bingo clubs, having been replaced by professional callers and computer based random number generators. The impact of computer technology has not passed the bingo industry by but, instead, has delivered real changes and benefits for players and operators. Bingo Link spoke to two of the UK’s best known gaming technology operators to find out what’s new.

Pi-oneering with an alternative to linked bingo. Coincheck Coincheck designed Pi Link, which Coincheck Electronics has been is a brand new call bridge, from the The introduction of Linked MCB from ECM Systems (above) has produced a new game experience for promoting System-C to the UK bingo ground up. The call bridge is at the players, while the company’s new e-Box (right) is the industry for a little while now and the centre of the link and is what logical choice for multi-player gaming applications company is establishing itself in the connects the clubs together. By desired. The calling club can also be ago, link groups of more than 10 or marketplace with a comprehensive using the latest call conferencing changed in just a couple of seconds 12 clubs were virtually unheard of. suite of products including MCB, technology, Coincheck has been able and the system copes seamlessly if Now, routinely, clubs link in groups ticket bingo, book sales, stage to create a link with more flexibility a club should disconnect mid-game.’ of more than 200 for live audio and display, membership etc. and speed than traditional link Chris continues, ‘Of course, you’ll data-conferenced games. Ten years Coincheck has now added to this systems. With Pi Link you are able need System-C equipment in your ago an MCB system of more than range with the introduction of Pi Link, to set up a single game or a whole club [MCB only or MCB plus ticket 400 positions was considered linked session in no time bingo] to take advantage of this enormous. In 2003 new systems at all, connecting at your new link, although linked ticket with well over 1,000 positions, convenience to play bingo in non-System-C clubs is providing two or more cards per games when it suits you. planned for the future.’ player, are commonplace. The grouping of clubs There are two ways that clubs can Regulatory changes have also is not restricted by be part of Pi Link: join or form a link been a significant factor in the rate geographical location or group on an existing call bridge, or of technological change. Changes by physical connection to own a complete call bridge outright. such as Transparency, Link Game the bridge and link groups Whichever method is chosen, the Prize Limits and frequency of of any size can be set up ongoing costs should be significantly Multiple Games have contributed to or modified at any time. lower than with traditional link the pressure for technology to deliver We asked systems. Chris summed up his view effective and reliable solutions, Chris Shipley, on Pi by saying, ‘All in all, lower allowing the operator to develop Coincheck’s running costs, greater control and the bingo product and enhance Sales more flexibility add up to a bright the customer experience. Manager, what future for linked bingo when Pi is Latest innovations build on the were the key benefits of part of the equation!’ existing high levels of technology the system. ‘Pi Link is able now commonly in use in the bingo to operate MCB and ticket The future of bingo sector. Almost without exception, bingo with equal flexibility technology clubs use electronic random number and simplicity. Linked MCB ECM Systems has been a significant generators, automatic ticket games can be run entirely component of the bingo industry validation systems, ISDN link from the calling club, or for 30 years. At the forefront of technology and a host of other slave clubs can optionally innovative technological solutions for administrative and back-office tools check their own claims if the bingo industry, the company has to ensure the smooth running of played a key part in the major every session. New developments Pi Link, a new call bridge developed by Coincheck Electronics, enables you to developments that have taken place currently being introduced use these set up a single game or a whole linked over the past 10 years. Six years existing platforms as a basis for their session in no time at all

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