What are thoughts on Ainsworth’s participation at G2E 2013?
We are extremely satisfied with the results of this year’s Global Expo. In our opinion the show was well attended and perhaps one of the better gaming shows in recent years; one in which there was a great deal of excitement as well as an assortment of great products displayed and visitors to our stand from around the globe. Ainsworth’s line up of innovative cabinet configurations and new highly entertaining game concepts were the focal point of our presentation - which clearly delivered a “Winning Play”.
Ainsworth presented the all-new A560-SL cabinet with its 32” high definition LCD and engaging sound system; the A560-ST Slant Top with a 24” LCD topper option for link progressive configurations; the new A560-SBT Bench Top Slant Top; and the A560-MT Mega Top and the A560-WB Wide Boy offered in the Premium Plus range.
The latest innovation Premium Plus titles that created excitement were Reels of Wheels,King Spin, Vegas King , Magnificent 7’s and Cash Challenge showcased in the super-sized A560 Wide Boy cabinet which uses a 32” LCD top box to brilliantly display the unique features.
On the link progressive side, we unveiled the latest range of link progressives: Treasure Storm, Oriental Fortune, Whopper Reels, Rampaging Rhino, Sweet Zone as well as Mystery products such as: Golden Goose Mystery, Big Chief Mystery, Glitter Mystery and Wolf King II Mystery along with the many other new concept game brands due for release next year.
One of the brands that received an overwhelming response and great deal of attention was the phenomenal Multi-Win multi-game entertainer range of eleven games that includes an exciting mix of titles from the extensive GamePlus library.
And of course, many new winning titles adding to the signature GamePlus library: Quad Shot, Double Hit, Triple Shot, Play 100Lines/50Lines/40Lines,HighDenom, Keno King and new additions Wheel Winner, Bonus Bonanza and Crazy Ways.
How did the public respond to the presentation of "The Magnificent Seven"?
To be honest, the response to the Magnificent 7’s game series of 3 games each with 4 levels of progressive action in a stand-alone configuration was awesome and beyond our expectations. This is one of our first licensed products and we have high expectations for its success across all market segments.
What is your opinion of the expo overall?
Overall, I believe the atmosphere at this year’s expo was sensational and the ideal venue to present our new releases and conduct business with some of the most important players in the industry. There is a sense that the economic situation is improving thus indicating capital investments are gradually making their way back. For Ainsworth this means continued growth opportunities to capitalize on market demand utilizing our expansive and ever increasing offering of state-of-the-art products.
In the catalog presented, what products are available in Latin America, or will be available in the short term?
It is our objective to introduce all the product brands displayed at this show that satisfy the demand of our clients within the Latin American community. Products such as Multi Win, the new Player’s Paradise link progressive and the Raging Roosters mystery, amongst others, designed for the Latin American and European markets will be made available to markets globally due to their success. In relation to timing, many of the products displayed are available now while others will hit casinos throughout Latin America in early 2014.
From your conversations with colleagues and operators that visited your stand, how is the industry shaping up for next year?
The general consensus is that challenges will continue in 2014, specifically in Latin America, where the industry is susceptible to political instability and governance; but where there is a challenge there are opportunities and Ainsworth is positioned to take advantage of those opportunities.
How are you preparing for SAGSE? Will we be able to see all the products presented at G2E?
Preparations are underway to showcase a selection of new products in the upcoming SAGSE expo. Considering the size difference to that of G2E, we will have a concise representation of the new products displayed in Las Vegas to ensure the visitors that did not attend G2E have the opportunity to see first-hand the new developments recently introduced. Visitors can see the latest cabinets and exciting new games Ainsworth has to offer in SAGSE Buenos Aires, Booth # 207.
What if any are the challenges to be met for the remainder of the year?
In addition to the preparation for SAGSE, the challenge for the rest of the year is to work closely with our clients to ensure their needs are met with respect to product requirements and schedules to ensure timely delivery of the products ordered in time for the holiday season.
On a personal level, we know that you were recently promoted to President of Latin America. What does this new role mean to you? What are your goals for next year?
Personally, I am grateful and delighted to work for such a dynamic company and with a superb group of professionals in a team environment, which has been the catalyst for the growth I have witnessed over the past seven years. The new role solidifies my commitment to further the development of the Ainsworth brand in the Latin America region. Our goal is to continue to pursue opportunities to further increase market share in all segments, capitalizing on the company’s established leading position, while serving our clients efficiently and creating value for our shareholders.