FROM THE EDITOR
From all indications, 1978 is going to be a very good year. And we're
not just saying that either; you PLAY METER readers know us better
than that.
Incomewise, '78 should see higher cash box receipts ' due to the
overwhelming public awareness of games. The vastly increasing
consumer electronic games market gives evidence to the masses'
acceptance of our product. In addition, more national promotions are on
tap.
We'll see Tournament Soccer award one million bucks in the course
of this year's spectacular tour. Bally's first national pinball tournament
will become history this year, as well as a possible world eight-ball
championship. And rumor has it that Atari is considering a national
promotion of its own.
With all that going for the industry this year, 1978 should see more
players than ever before. And more players mean more income.
Expensewise al the local operator level, costs are expected to be on
the increase as usual. New equipment prices are expected to increase
but at a slower rate and perhaps begin to stabilize near the end of the
year. Indications are that we'll see a fewer number of new models being
produced in '78. The games, however, that will be released should be
better in overall construction and concept and as a result should earn
for a longer period of time. This is a welcome development that will
hopefully prevent any future glut of the marketplace.
At the location level, promoting play and keeping clean operable
equipment are two main ingredients that are essential to success in '78.
With this industry continually attracting new customers it's more
important than ever before to maintain your equipment so as to keep it
clean, attractive, and working well .
Indications are that operators are beginning to use their new
equipment purchases, especially the solid state pieces, as a tool in
bargaining for a better commission structure. And that seems to be a
good practice. You don't have to have the same commission for
everything. There's no law that says you can't give 50 percent on the
pool tables while only giving 25 percent on the video games. It may
mean a little more bookkeeping on the collector's part, but it certainly
would be worth the extra income.
Operators are urged to continue to exercise caution when making
any new purchases. At today's prices, a hasty decision could lead to
disaster. Select your equipment with quality and substance in mind .
And be patient. Test a new game yourself before ordering aIiy large
quantities of it. A cautious operator in today's market is a wise
operator.
Because of the ever-increasing popularity and because of its strength
in the market, we have decided to dedicate two issues this year to the
theme of pinball. Thi pinball "Double Bonus" is designed to provide for
a better understanding of the game from many different viewpoints.
We will examine the game that has taken America, as well as the rest
of the world, by storm and see how it has become a staple of the
industry.
Sincerely
;;?)~~
Ralph C. Lall y II .
Publi 'her & Editor
6
CALENDAR
February 4-5
Annual convention of the South
Carolina Coin Operators Associa-
tion, the Carolina Inn , Columbia,
South Carolina
February 23-25
A.M.O .A. Convention (Australia) ,
Ford Pavilion , Syd ney Australia
March 3-4
A. M.O .A. regional seminar, O'Hare
Hilton. O 'Hare Airport, Chicago,
Illinois
March 31-Aprill
Music Operators of Michigan. fourth
annual convention , Michigan Inn ,
Southfield , Michigan
March 31 -April2
Con vention of Ve nding and Food-
service Management, 1978 western
convention , Community Concourse,
San Diego, California
April 6-9
F.A.M.A.'s "Horizons '78 , ' the new
Marriott Olympic Villas, Orlando,
Florida
April 14-16
Wisconsin Music Mercha nts Associa-
tion, spring con ve ntion , Playboy
Club , Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
April 26-28
International Coin Machine Exhibi-
tion "ima '78 West Berlin , Germany
May 19-21
The Music and Amuseme nt Associa-
tion of New York, 1978 regional
convention and trade show , Ste-
vensville Coun try Club, Swan Lake ,
Ne w York
June 2-3
Oh io Music and Amusement Asso·
ciation , a nnual convention , Colum-
bus, Ohio
June 8-10
Music Operators of Texas, annual
meeting , La Quinta Royale , Corpus
Christi , Texas
June 16-18
Illinois Coin Machine Operators
Association , annual convention ,
Playboy Club, Lake Geneva , Wis-
consin
July 20-21
Montana Coin Machine Operators
Association , ann ual convention ,
Fairmont Hot S prings Resort , Butte ,
Montana
PLA Y METER, February, 1978