Play Meter

LAY
Twice a Month Publication for the Coin Operated Entertainment Industry
Member
CONTENTS/
Volume 11 , Number20/November 1. 1985
FEATURES
Video Lottery Issue on Dock Dumer . . . . . . . . . . . 18
While efforts to establish video loneries have met with linle success. the
anention of opposing amusement operators has been drown to other
issues. Proponents. meanwhile, ore regrouping for a push yet to come.
The State of the Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
If 1984 was known as 'The Year of the Crunch" in the coin-operated
amusement industry, 1985 might be remembered as 'The Year of the
Shake-Out." Play Meter's survey turns up only 6.000 operators in 1985, a
third fewer than last year. The survey also indicates the shake-out has run its
course. and a healthier. more profitable industry has emerged for
operators who remain.
Operators' Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
As parr of Play Meter's survey on the state of the industry. hundreds of
operators got a chance to speak their minds about their industry. Following
brief comments ore in-depth remarks from several operators across the
country.
Operator Couple Making Comeback . . . . . . . . . . 36
Anticipating an upswing in the coin·op amusement industry, operators Dill
and Debbie Schimmel ore back in business after a few years of semi·
retirement.
DEPARTMENTS
5
7
8
30
38
41
Letters to the Editor
Up Front
News
Equipment Poll
Management
Fronk's Cranks
Cov•r: Designed by Margret Vincent.
44
4 7
51
53
57
Tax Tips
New Products
Aids to the Trade
Classified
Guest Commentary