The next levelRebecca Green talks to Kubilay Özer,Global Sales Director of APEX gaming

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How was 2014 for Apex Gaming and how has 2015 been so far? We see 2014 as the year that has demonstrated our dedication to further provide innovative solutions, true to our motto of taking gaming to ‘the next level’. We released the iDROP to the market – the revolutionary cash handling system for live gaming tables. We updated our Pinnacle gaming machines – both on the hardware and software front. This includes 3D games and server-based gaming. We gained several approvals to sell our electronic multiplayer and finally we further expanded the possibilities to make use of mobile gaming inside gaming locations. In short 2014 was a very busy year for our development teams. Our focus for 2015 is to further introduce these solutions to the global gaming market. That is why the company founder and CEO, Johannes Weissengruber, asked me to join the team last year as Global Sales Director. I am excited and proud about having this possibility to lead the global sales team for APEX gaming.

With all these innovations, we had high expectations for the ICE. Even these expectations were exceeded. Therefore, I can say that 2015 will be a successful year for APEX gaming.

What have been the stand-out installs in your opinion amongst all the installations that Apex gaming have had at Casinos over the last year? We are very proud of the contribution the iDROP has made at the brand new Gauselmann casino in Germany – the Merkur Spielbank Leuna-Günthersdorf. This was the first casino in the global casino industry to introduce the iDROP and do this in such a way that the casino does not require a cash desk. A second important installation of the iDROP has been at the Imperial Casino in Strazny, Czech Republic. These are just two examples to mention in this short interview.

Naturally we have had important installations for further products. The exciting news is the progress we are making with our automated multiplayer APEX PLAYER STATION (APS). The APS is terminal-based so is very flexible and modular for our customers. We offer four different games – including the APEX-only QUIKKER. The APS can be linked up to four different ROULETTE wheels, including live ROULETTE. And last but not least – it can be connected with our Pinnacle slots or with our mobile solutions (tablet gaming) to enable operators to offer the fun and excitement of playing on the APS even if all the terminal positions are occupied. We have made first installations in

Ireland and the recent Irish Gaming Show was very successful for us. The approvals for sales have come through for Macau and we have high hopes here.

How much success has the Pinnacle gaming machine family had since its introduction and what are the latest enhancements incorporated in to the updated range?The Pinnacle and Pinnacle SL (slant top) series are the basis of our land-based slot solutions. We have established the Pinnacle in many countries and jurisdictions over the past years. We have taken a great product and made it better still. Not just on the hardware side – but on the software front as well. Let me explain: We improved the Hardware and Software of the Pinnacle Series – referring to the hardware side, we have increased the monitor size to make playing on the Pinnacle even more enjoyable. We have not changed the cabinet form. The upright Pinnacle now has 24” monitors fitted (instead of 22”). The Pinnacle SL has 27” monitors (instead of 26”). We even offer an upgrade kit should customers wish to update their older Pinnacles to this latest design. For the software: we have introduced our EVO platform. This represents a quantum leap in game graphics and game speed. We have altered the way we portray our games – they are now placed in categories – Fruit Games, Table Games, 3D Games and Classic Games. The swipe technology that we know from smartphones has been implemented here, making changing screens so much easier today. Another great benefit for our customers is that our automated ROULETTE APS (APEX PLAYER STATION) can be linked to the Pinnacle slots – so slots players can play on the APS without having to leave the Pinnacle. By the way, we also offer our slots games on the APS.

What are the essential features of the iDROP & why should a Casino go ahead with the expenditure to incorporate the iDROP System in their Casinos?The advantages are so many that we could spend the whole report just focusing on these! But let me sum these up: The iDROP closes all security gaps within the Live table game area from table to the counting room. Operators can monitor all iDROPs in real-time via his existing Casino Management System. iDROP communicates with the SAS Protocol, this makes the installation extremely easy. The iDROP supports ticket-in, ticket-out technology so that tickets can be entered into or paid out by the iDROP.

Furthermore, the iDROP helps you to mix the

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player culture within the casinos. For example, slot players can play with their tickets at the ROULETTE-Table or other way around. We have seen how popular this is at Merkur Casino in Leuna – players move much more freely between live gaming and slots gaming. You can say that the iDROP has enabled a culture change within casinos – to bring slots and live gaming together (which were traditionally separated).

Is there a limit on the amount of tables the iDROP system can manage?No, there is no limit.

How adaptable is the iDROP system and can it contribute to lowering bottom line operating costs?Yes absolutely! As players can now purchase their jetons directly at the live gaming table (and also receive their winnings directly there as well), casinos no longer need to have a cash desk. Merkur Casino Leuna-Günthersdorf in Germany is a great example of a casino that is completely automatized. Personnel expenses are therefore minimized. The fixed costs are reduced on a long-term basis.

Furthermore, the jetons all stay at the tables. Players no longer take them to the cash desk to be redeemed or buy them at the cash desk to play. The number of jetons required is halved when using the iDROP in this way. Moving on to day-to-day savings – remember that the iDROP gives the operator immediate, real-time data on the drop at each table. Shrinkage at the tables can no longer occur. The state-of-the art technology within the iDROP ensures that no fake banknotes can be accepted – a further saving. No-one is going to try and launder fake money in casinos at the live tables knowing that the iDROP will immediately recognise and signal to the croupiers if such false banknotes are entered into it.

Is the iDROP System easy to operate and maintain or does it require someone trained and proficient in IT to manage?The iDROP System has been constructed so that everyone can operate this without any special knowledge or background. It has a touchscreen for the croupier to quickly and professionally operate the iDROP correctly. Also we kept the maintenance simple. You can replace moving parts within seconds

Kubilay Özer (left) and Johannes Weissengruber (right) from APEX gaming with Karl-Heinz Lager from Merkur Spielbank Leuna-Günthersdorf

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without any technical knowledge. Is the Apex Mobile Slot application that provides players the option of playing their favourite games such as Ocean Tale on slots or tablets an evolution from the magic mobile application launched in 2013?While APEX Magic Mobile was a good foundation for developing APEX Slot Challenge and APEX mobile slots, APEX Mobile Slots is a huge step forward in mobile server-based gaming. It provides a reliable, secure and efficient mobile gaming platform for casino operators to extend their offer and enable their players to switch between land-based slots and mobile tablets in the casino. With a special version of APEX iDROP the borders between land-based and mobile gaming are blurred even more: players can switch between the mobile slots (tablets) and land-based machines making use of ticket-in, ticket-out. This allows players to continue playing in lounge areas and bars, where no land-based slot machines are available. We were also very proud to introduce automated and live-table ROULETTE integration for the APEX mobile slots at ICE 2015 in London. Players can now participate in live table games, as well as play slots games on the mobile devices.

The gaming industry has had companies state claims of cutting overheads, revenue optimization, increased productivity all provided to impress and sell. Can iDROP provide statistics and an example of a Casino operation where your system has an impact?The examples cited above on how the iDROP can lower costs are proven. To reiterate: A cash desk is no longer required – the daily savings here are substantial. The savings by having to buy less tokens. The added security at live tables – the cash is completely accounted for. Furthermore, the iDROP enables a new culture of uniting slots and live gaming – that can lead to an increase in game play and thus revenue.

Could you explain to our readers how the QUIKKER Card Game works?QUIKKER is a game that we have brought to the gaming world. It is a table game that unites the best of both worlds for ROULETTE and black jack. You have 2 closed cards on the display and player bets on the potential outcome(s). For example, I can bet that the first card will be between 2-7 and the second card between 8-K or both cards have the same number or symbol, etc.. The player has several

opportunities to guess which numbers are hiding behind these cards. It´s very simple to understand and makes a lot of fun for the player. The player can win up to three hundred times of his bet – so over eight times higher that of ROULETTE!

With an ever increasing capabilities of computing hardware that is enabling game developers to create even more complex levels of game interaction and complexity, what are the key aspects of the EVO Platform that you consider make it the first choice for Casinos ahead of those provided by other manufacturers and suppliers?The new graphics and design have been very well received by operators and players. For example, you can hide credit on the display only with one finger touch. You can start or stop gambling with the swipe function like smartphone or tablet products. The technology has immensely speeded up the game play. Switching between games is done in a fraction of a second. The 3D games are portrayed in an outstanding way. All in all, the EVO platform has made a fantastic positive impact on the game graphics and display.

What is your opinion on the way the number of industry manufacturers is converging?The shape of the industry is definitely changing and the number of mergers and acquisitions has been amazing. I see this as an opportunity for companies like APEX gaming – privately-owned companies with many years of experience and success in the market. Operators want to offer their players diversity. Today there are fewer companies offering land-based gaming solutions. It is our pledge to continue to support operators in offering their customers the diversity they require. With all the new products we have on offer and that in a market where diversity is key, this further increases our standing. No one wants to be dependent on one or two suppliers / manufacturers. And finally what are the company’s main goals for 2015?APEX is very successful in Europe. We have focused on our key markets and built up a reputable position. Now is the time to expand into further countries where we have traditionally not been active in. We have ultra-modern gaming solutions. The opportunities for the APS in Macau are a great example. The international demand for our products prove to us that we are on the right track.