from the editor
Calendar
A few weeks ago, I had the occasion to attend the world's largest
amusement machine exhibition--the Amusement Tnules EXhibition in
London, England. While there, I visited with operators, distributors
and manufacturers from abroad and it was interesting to note that
~id the many similarities in the way they do business, there also
eXISted a number of differences.
Pemaps, the biggest difference lies in the fac t that in Great Britain
and other Ebropean countries, gambling is legalized and government-
regulated. As a result, operators are free to operate slot machines
and other pay-out gaming machines.
The ATE show was therefore cluttered with an immense amount of
g~ing equipment to which most U. S. visitors had to reluctantly tum
then' backs. But before you turn too green with envy, keep in mind
that, as one might suspect, British gaming machine operators have to
contend with stringent gaming board regulations, heavy taxation
licensing and flat rental fees.
'
In such circumstances, the competitve situation in Great Britain is
as bad or, pemaps, worse than it is in the U.S. The profitability of the
gaming machine business does tend to lend itseH to fierce
competition and because the British beer brewers own or control
most of the pub locations, an operator stands to lose not one, but up
to several hundred locations if the brewer becomes dissatisfied with
his service.
But fortunately, British brewers are now keenly aware of the
amusement machine business and have a thorough understanding of
the many problems operators of today are faced with.
Because of their greater understanding of the business, they know
that the operator's jlb is a fuDtime one that demands expertise and
professional direction. This tend s to le ssen the threat of
location-owned equipment.
It's always interesting to compare notes with members of the
industJy from other parts of the U.S. , a s well a s from abroad. Not
only is it important to keep - abreast of events elsewhere in the
industJy, but a good deal can be learned through the mere process of
interaction and exchange of ideas with others.
In this issue, we welcome to our staff of regular writers two astute
members of the industJy. Beginning his first of a series of monthly
articles, Marshall Caras, Harvard graduate and leading New England
distributor, takes an honest look at loyalty and its place in the
industJy.
Fascination Ltd.'s Director of International Marketing Robert Wick
jlins our staff of international writers with the first of a series of
columns on the international market.
We are indeed proud to have these two talented men share their
views and experiences with our readers in the pages of Play Meter.
For too long now , this industJy has shut itseH off from within and
without. It is a heartwanning experience to see knowledgeable,
dedicated men in the industJy stand up and speak out for the benefit
of everyone.
Hopefully, this is only a beginning and others wiD follow. The time
has come for this industJy to share its thoughts, opinions,
experiences and hopes. Divided, the struggle is destined to continue.
United in purpose and effort, the sky is the funit.
Sincerely,
Ralph C. lADy
Hlitor and Pubtisher
n.
March 2-4
:\' ort hern Amu sement Equip-
me nt and (,oin -ope rated Ma -
chin e Show. BIackpool , E ng -
la nd . La r g e a nd imp o r ta n t
t r a d e s how fo r a mu s eme n t
equipme nt.
:Yl arch 19-21
;\1 usic Operator s of Michiga n,
a nnu a l con v e nti o n . " ' e ber 's
Inn . Ann Arbo r . Michigan.
April 9-11
W is con sin Mu ic Me r chan t s
A s 'ocia t ion , s prin g con ve n -
tion. Scot 'Iand Resort, Ocono-
woe, Wisconsin.
April30-May 1
Music Operators of Amerioa
Regional Seminar , le ct ur es
and discussions on improving
your business . O'Hare Hilt on,
O'Hare International Airport,
Chicago, Illinois . (Please note
change in location. )
Mav 7-8
Ohio Mu 'ic a~d Amusement
A ssociat io n . annual con ve n -
t ion. Site no t yet selected .
May 1-1- 16
:\'Iusic and Amu ' ement Asso-
ciation I:\ew York l, annual
co nve nt ion. StevensviUe Coun -
t r~' Club . Swan Lake. New
York.
July 22-25
Montana Coin Machine Opera-
tors Association, annual con-
vention. We s t Ye llow s tone ,
Montana.
August 27 -29
North Carolina Coin Operators
A ssociation , annual conv e n -
tion. Charlotte, North Caro-
lina. Site not yet selected.
September 16-18
Music Operators of Virginia,
annual convention. H yatt
House , Richmond, Virginia.
September 9-12
Florida Amusement-Merchan-
dising Association, annual con-
vention. Sheraton Towers, Or-
lando, Florida.
PlAt' ItIETER
6