4
In full agreement with those who point out Americans have been horrible wast1~rs. It's
high time, long overdue time, for a return to common sense. Americans don't have to bow
before anyone for a few barrels of oil. We've got more than we need if we prictise com-
mon sense. The same goes for spending a bundle of dollars for entertainment ihen, for
quarters, the average American can spend hours enjoying coinmusic and coinganes in the
company of friends for a most enjoyable time.
Owning and operating a gambling casino can sometimes be the biggest gambl~ of all. Last
November the Bahamas gov't announced that as all privately held licenses expired. the
gov' t would take over ownership and control of all casino gambling. As of this .January
only two private casinos remain and these licenses will expire the end of this year •.••
That extra hour of DST (Daylight Saving Time) beginning Jan.6 of great importance to all
operators. An extra hour's play can be the difference between a profitable location and
just another marginal spot ..•• By the time you read this you may need 10¢ not 8¢ stamp
for First Class mail. 13¢ not 11¢ for Airmail which also includes Canada and Mexico. Air
Mail to So. America up from 17¢ to 21¢ and to Europe from 21¢ to 26¢ (that's for half an
ounce). U.S.Post Office wants this to start on Jan.5.
Even tho few are openly discussing it, factory execs are keeping their eyes peeled over
growing distribs' debt load. With price of new equip't what it is today, diatribe are on
recourse paper for more thousands of dollars than ever before in history. As yet no cause
for alarm. Operators are doing better than ever and greater majority are meeting their
payments on time. Should operating income fall, and there are many reasons why this could
happen, some distribs might find themselves in serious financial situation.
Quite a few who programmed retirement this year have changed their minds due to speed-
ier galloping inflation in an extremely confused economy .•.. Freak accident got Miami's
Willie Blatt 14 stitches in his ol' noggin. Someone stashed heavy chair on top of can
vender and, as Willie opened front, down it came on top of his head. Now his sons serenad-
ing Willie with, "Look up, look up, before you open the door." ..• Enjoyed listening to
an old time operator whom we hadn't seen in almost 40 years. Jerry Karpman operated in
New York City and other parts of the country. When New York closed on slots, then pin-
balls, Jerry left for Los Angeles where he became very successful in other tusinesses.
Still loves to reminisce about his years in the coinbiz to which he refers as "one big
family". Tells about an operation he bought in Charleston, W.Va., many years ago that was
most interesting. Like he said, "Never was, never will be, a more fascinating business
than coin machines."
For those who asked, Bill Frey still around. He's operating in
Key West, Fla.
Illinois became 10th state to legalize lottery which Gov.Dan Walker hopes will raise
$70 - $100 million to help rapid transit system ...• At same time Spain celebrates 210th
anniversary of El Gordo (the Fat One) world's richest lottery with S143 million in prizes.
This lottery set up in 1763 by King Carlos III. There are 18 top prizes of $1.3 million
each and 396 prizes of $17,500 and more . . . . Pool table operators who want to see how
pool should be played and who plan to be in Miami area on Jan.10, should visit Jackie
Gleason's Inverary C.C. in Ft.Lauderdale, Fla., to watch best pocket billiard player in
the world, Willie Mosconi, who is being challenged by Britain's Rex Williams in $20,000
charity match •.•• Wonder who will handle NSM phones in U.S. as new national rep? ...
There are many seeking "Marketplace" issues containing "Pictorial History" editions.If
you have extras let us know ..•. The old, fearful expression, "the heat's on", has now
become a very happy statement.
Many big banks of venders without action as factory layoffs, due to lack of materials,
C•>ntinue to make headlines all over the country. At the same time, where laii off workers
meet in various locations, music and games action booming. This more than balances gross
income, especially for big public conglomerates that, long ago, acquired music and games
routes all over the nation. If ever there was a time people appreciated econ omical enter-
tainment, this is it.
Have you noticed how many eyes suddenly glued onto coat lapels of members entering any
public place who are wearing their "2000 Club" pins?