“Our AAA event allows us to showcase our full product range in an almost true to life setting”

TCS John Huxley organized again its All Access Areas last week in Las Vegas. Which is your final evaluation of this way of meeting with the industry?
Once again, we have had a fantastic response from our customers. Our Access All Areas event allows us to showcase new innovations and our full product range in an almost true to life setting - we are able to create an upscale casino with incredible ambiance in one of Las Vegas’ most spectacular locations whilst offering unrivalled hospitality.

What did the company exhibit at its private place at the Palms? What novelties did you introduce?
In addition to the full product portfolio, visitors were treated to some new and exciting innovations that were showcased for the first time at the event - these included Double Action Roulette for the Novo Unity II platform – the added thrill of Double Action Roulette comes to the leading multiplayer platform allowing increased game frequency to a much larger audience all from one dealer; DigiDeal’s hybrid L2V (live to virtual) e-table featuring TCS John Huxley’s Value Verification Unit (VVU card scanning shoe) – the hybrid touch screen live card table that offers real card action at electronic speeds; for US customers only, Inspired's slant top Sabre terminal offering roulette and baccarat that can be connected to up to four wheels and tables - including live and remote systems - allowing players much more game choice.

TCS John Huxley recently announced a couple of agreements with different leading companies of the industry. What can you tell me about them?
We have recently signed distribution agreements with Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired), the global supplier of server-based gaming products and DigiDeal Corporation, a gaming industry innovator in technology enhanced table games.

The first agreement is to supply Inspired’s server-based casino terminal Sabre with new HD electronic content for Roulette and Baccarat in specified regions of the US. This was unveiled to our customers at Access All Areas event and created much interest. The addition of an electronic multiplayer terminal to the range will allow us to meet all the requirements of casino operators in the region.

The DigiDeal agreement allows us to offer the complete DigiDeal range of multi-player card game products, which feature digital game play but utilize a live dealer/host with traditional chips to retain the live game feel. With so many differing and emerging markets, flexibility is key. DigiDeal’s range of tables, games and "smart" platforms allows operators to choose from fully hosted e-tables with traditional chips or cards, to automatic "plug-and-play" games for the slot environment.

What's TCS John Huxley's position regarding exhibiting at trade shows in the future?
We continuously review our trade show strategy with our decisions based on what works best for our customers, our products and is commercially viable. Every show or event is evaluated and this information is then used to determine our plans for the following year.

You have also announced that the company is planning a similar event for next January coinciding with traditional London show. Can you anticipate some details?
We have established a strong brand for Access All Areas over the last 3 years and those customers who have visited us in Las Vegas will have an understanding of what to expect. However, London promises to be very different – we have selected a spectacular and unique venue which will offer all our visitors a very memorable experience. Access All Areas is about showcasing innovative and exciting products, but in addition there is always a whole host of extra treats for our visitors to enjoy. Details of the event and how to register will be available from the beginning of November.

In a year affected by an international economic crisis, how do you evaluate 2011 for the gaming industry in general and for TCS John Huxley in particular?
The gaming industry is undoubtedly following a cautious approach due to the current economic climate, however there is definitely more optimism this year and a positive attitude collectively displayed by the supplier segment of the gaming industry.

So far 2011 has seen us continue with our strong ethics, working hard with our customers and our partners, in developing solutions that meet the needs of each individual’s business. Casino Operators continue to look for ways to improve their performance and product offering whilst delivering an exciting and entertaining experience for the players. Interest in our products such as MultiPLAY delivers solutions to meet this demand in this ever-increasing polarizing market place.

Hopefully we will continue to see new markets become available and enjoy the additional business opportunities they offer.