Play Meter

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 20, No. s Apri l 1994 FEATURES Coinman Interview: Steve Epstein 38 Thirty years in the industry and still wearing a change apron and working the night shift. That's what hands-on owner Epstein enjoysstaying in touch with clients who helped build his Broadway Arcade and Professional and Amateur Pinball Association. His secrets to success: clean games, promotions, and understanding the games and the players. 60 Family FOCUS: Last month soft modular play systems came front-and-center from the designer's point of view; this month see the location's side at the Enchanted Castle in Lombard, Ill., Jammin' Gym in Birmingham, Ala., and Fun World in Southington, Conn. All three offer safe yet challenging soft play experiences for patrons aged 12 and under. A-1 ACME '94 Whether you were there in person or not, this is the perfect opportunity to view (or review) new product introduced at the annual spring trade show. Our popular photo album and game listing format covers the "who" and "what" of the occasion, while separate articles zero-in on awards, the AAMCF Banquet, the Coin-Op Olympics, and other essentials. DEPARTMENTS News Bulletin Equipment Poll Letters From the Editor News Up Front International News Cover Story Guest Commentary State Show-SCCOA Redemption Report Dollars & Sense 1 6 8 10 12 26 28 32 51 52 68 72 Route Talk Player's Perspective Tournaments & Leagues Tax Tips Frank's Cranks Technical Topics FAX Poll What's New Classified Latin Jukebox Top 30 Calendar The Last Word 76 78 83 94 98 102 104 111 119 167 169 170 COVER Smart Industries of Des Moines, Iowa, offers a world of entertaining products, from cranes to sports games and just about everything inbetween. The newest item is the Vending Redemption Center, a unit that redeems tickets for merchandise without an attendant.