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G a m i n g N e ws 1 5 W e d n e s d a y, O c to b e r 1 , 2 0 1 4 GLORY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES UPGRADED SK-500 ATM KIOSK By Rick Friese, EVP Sales and Marketing at Glory Global Solutions, North America Glory Global Solutions, the worldwide leader in comprehensive cash handling solutions, is launching a new, multi- function ATM, ticket redemption and bill breaking kiosk at this year 's Global Gaming Expo (G2E). The SK-500 represents a signifi- cant functional upgrade to Glory's kiosk line, with increased transaction speeds, real-time activity monitoring, less machine down time and enhanced web based data management capabili- ties. The new SK-500 boasts the largest capacity in its class, with five 3,000 note cassettes, minimizing the need to refill the kiosk on a busy casi- no floor. It also includes remote access and monitoring capabilities, enabling casino employees to check the machine inventory, produce necessary reports and change the machine set- tings without leaving their control room. Glory is the only compa- ny in the industry in North America that designs, pro- duces, deploys and provides the maintenance service on its own cash handling kiosks. With levels of expertise that other providers can't offer, Glory can provide complete cash management solutions at all cash points throughout the casino, reducing employ- ee stress and improving accuracy, effi- ciency and security across complex transaction landscapes. The launch of the SK-500 reflects Glory's commitment to a growing gaming sector, which remains heavily reliant on cash management solutions to keep business moving. Cash handling within the retail sector of a casino is costly and requires significant staff resources, so Glory's ability to count, authenticate, secure and automate cash transactions is vital in creat- ing efficiency savings. Glory Global Solutions will be taking orders for the upgraded SK-500 at the Global Gaming Expo and the product will be available for delivery in late 2014. For more information, visit www .gloryglobalsolutions.com, call 800- 527-2638, email sales@us.glory- global.com or stop by booth 5235. JCJ ARCHITECTURE OFFERS INTEGRATED SERVICE MODEL An interview with Mark Griffith, Managing Principal, JCJ Architecture. GN: Tell us a little bit about the firm and what makes JCJ Architecture unique. MG: I've worked in this industry for more than 20 years, and I think one of the things that makes JCJ truly differ- ent is our dynamic and deeply integrat- ed service model. We always view our planning, design and management serv- ices as interdependent and reciprocal activities that serve a cohesive vision. Simply put, the processes of plan- ning with design, architecture with interiors, management with design are each integrated, balanced and correlat- ed. The overlap and melding of these disciplines brings a unique perspective to JCJ's work and has enabled the firm to succeed and to help our clients thrive. GN: What advantage does this approach bring to your clients, and how it has contributed to your success? MG: We have found that this approach has enabled us to help clients avoid costly mistakes, to increase speed to market and to design for future flexi- bility. Regarding master planning with design, our planners are architects. When we approach these efforts, we incorporate an understanding about the large-scale influencers, the subtle nuances of design and the complexities of project implementation and opera- tion. An example of this is how we evaluate options for future develop- ment; considering future expansion during the planning process may miti- gate the need for extensive investment in building systems, infrastructure and/or the relocation of major program areas. There is no way to forecast the future with absolute certainty, but there are ways to look at potential sce- narios and to make educated decisions that set owners up for cost savings down the road. With regard to architecture and interior design, in our eyes these disci- plines are not separated but are inte- grated in every aspect of the design process. An example of this is that many of our interior designers are trained as architects and licensed as such. The same holds true for our inte- rior designers in that their experience and training allows them to be equally adept at architectural design. This brings tremendous value to clients in terms of speed to market and level of rigor in coordination and doc- umentation. The last, and one of the most unique advantages to our approach, is design management. What is some- times overlooked for the sake of aes- thetics is the impact design and plan- ning can have on the financial success of a project. Our approach is to always keep in mind that we are part of our client's business team and that whatev- er we design has to dramatically improve both our client's reputation and its return on investment. This approach starts with analysis in feasi- bility, entitlements and site selection and then threads through the entire design process. We take advantage of opportunities to problem solve and be as highly creative early on in the design process. We thrive in an envi- ronment where we have to integrate both the analytical and creative processes – resolving both to create spaces that serve, satisfy and inspire. We have found this integrated approach has enabled JCJ to build last- ing relationships and to be part of some of the most exciting and satisfying projects in the domestic U.S. market. Visit JCJ Architecture at booth 3030. For more information, go to www.jcj.com, call 877-389-9395 or email info@jcj.com. SMOKEFREE CASINOS AND REGIONAL GAMING COMPETITION Many factors affect gaming revenues, with regional gaming competition being at the top. Other factors such as driving distance, economy, price of gas, weather (hurricanes, the polar vor- tex, etc.), also take their toll on the bottom line. What hasn't proven to be major factor? Smokefree indoor air. Twenty states now require smokefree indoor air inside all commercial casi- nos, including Ohio, Maryland, New York, Colorado and soon in Massachusetts. There are now more than 500 smokefree casinos and other gambling venues in the United States, including some tribal casinos. Smokefree laws have the benefit of creating parity for businesses across a market versus operators implementing smokefree rules on their own. Smokefree indoor air is now simply part of the brand experience for new players, and smoking facilities are increasingly at odds with public expectations. Ohio's many new casinos and raci- nos are 100 percent smokefree indoors. They are cited for a whopping 30 per- cent sustained decline in Indiana's gaming revenue. Ohio's casinos out- compete Indiana's in the cross-over market areas. The success of the Ohio casinos are not necessarily because they are smokefree (although it cer- tainly helps bring in new customers and for non-gaming amenities), but it affirms that smokefree is a non-factor relative to bigger issues like location and driving distance. With well- designed outdoor smoking areas off the gaming floor and F&B areas, Ohio casinos are welcoming to all customers – smokers and nonsmokers alike – while also protecting the health of the workforce. Maryland's casinos are 100 percent smokefree indoors, including Maryland Live!, Horseshoe Baltimore and the MGM National Harbor under construc- tion. Maryland is traditionally a "feed- er market" for Atlantic City, but with world-class gaming facilities close to home, fewer Maryland residents want to drive to Atlantic City or Pennsylvania to gamble. Atlantic City casinos have remained smoking indoors due to economic fears. However, gaming revenue has been on the steady decline since 2006 when Pennsylvania started added gaming. A number of smoke-filled properties closed in 2014. Keeping smoke inside Atlantic City casinos did nothing to solve eco- nomic woes, while regional gaming com- petition, including from states with smokefree casinos such as Delaware, New York and Maryland, has had a neg- ative economic impact on AC gaming revenues. Biloxi – The Palace Resort and Casino is a successful, smokefree casino, despite the competition with other smoke-filled casinos in the area. Margaretville in Biloxi and other proper- ties in Mississippi are closing, despite allowing indoor smoking. Times are changing. More than 82 percent of the U.S. population are non- smokers. Casinos need to innovate and evolve to remain competitive and to attract new, younger players and guests who, more often than not, do not smoke. Casino ventilation systems do not address the health hazards of secondhand smoke. For more information, visit booth 3705.