Play Meter

COIN-OP NEWS
Louisiana association
hosts legislative
day at capitol
On May 17, the Vending Machine Operators of Louisi-
ana hosted a Legislative Day at the state capitol in Baton
Rouge. VMOL members met with state legislators to edu-
cate and inform them about the industry and its contribu-
tions to Louisiana’s economy.
“VMOL members have been interested in engaging with
our state legislators for quite some time, and to showcase
all aspects of the industry that our members are involved,”
said VMOL President Chuck McMath. “We hope that this
legislative event will grow in the years ahead to serve the
dual-purpose of showcasing our industry and providing
a key opportunity to educate our elected officials on our
efforts.”
A key part of the group’s activity included promoting
VMOL’s presence at the capitol, which has been driven by
members’ renewed energy to become more engaged with
their legislators through both grassroots activities.
The attendees carried this message during informal
meetings on the House and Senate Chamber floors with
their specific legislators, as well as during the committee
meetings. They also discussed the organization’s commit-
ment to preserving consumer choice by providing custom-
ers with a mix of traditional and better-for-you products.
“As the faces of the industry in Louisiana, VMOL mem-
bers demonstrated the positive impact that the convenience
services
industry
has on local
economies
throughout
the state,”
said Sheree
Edwards,
director of
state affairs at
the National
Automatic
Merchandis-
ing Association. “VMOL’s legislative day is an important
part of the process to build relationships with our elected
officials so we can provide them the information they need
to make the most informed decision regarding legislation
that can impact our industry.”
For more information, visit (www.namanow.org).
PLAY METER
Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies (left) presents a
$10,000 check to Golden Tee 2017 World Champion Mark
Stenmark.
Golden Tee crowns
new world champion
The Golden Tee 2017 World Championship took
place May 19-21 at Hi Scores Bar Arcade in Las Vegas,
where 64 of the world’s best Golden Tee players battled
head to head play. The contenders qualified for the live
event through online play from January to March. When
the three-day event ended, Mark Stenmark of Houston,
Texas, was the last man standing, winning $10,000 and
his likeness to be included in the 2018 update of the
game.
In total, over $75,000 was awarded in cash prizes.
“It’s the pinnacle of my Golden Tee career,” said Sten-
mark. “I honestly thought last year would have been my
best chance. Now to have my face in the game, it’s just
unbelievable. This field was as strong as ever.”
After a full day of qualifying rounds, double-elimination
match play soon began. Many upsets happened early in
the day as Evan Gossett, the top qualifier, dropped his first
match of the event to Luke Nelson.
Back-to-back Golden Tee World Champion Andy Haas
fell in extra holes to seasoned tournament player Chris
Thorbrogger. Last year’s World Championship runner-up,
Paul Luna, fell to Tony Johnson.
Stenmark kicked off his match play strong by edging out
Sean Gervais. Next, Stenmark took down Enzo Polidori, fol-
lowed by Scott Kocol. He then dropped another against pro
Lance Harris to move into the king-of-the-hill match.
Stenmark then handed Joe Massara, a Daily Contest wiz-
ard and one of the game’s up-and-coming talents, his first
loss. But Massara battled back to once again face Stenmark
in a rematch for the final round and $10,000 on the line.
To come away victorious, however, Massara would have
had to beat Stenmark twice. For more information, visit
(www.itgames.com).
6
JULY 2017