• The AGEM Board of Directors was told the Nevada Gaming Policy Committee is seeking input from suppliers that want to submit a “wish list” of items for the committee and ultimately the Nevada legislature to consider. AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater and AGEM Nevada Counsel Dan Reaser are compiling input from various suppliers that may want to propose ideas that are not currently allowed from either a regulatory or statutory standpoint.
• The board was also informed the Nevada Gaming Control Board meeting addressing Regulation 5 that affects transactions at the machine was April 23.
• The board approved paying students from the UNLV School of Law to research, state-by-state in the U.S., what would need to change for those particular states to approve slots with variable-payback percentages. The goal is to build momentum beyond Nevada and New Jersey for this new form of gaming.
• Recent developments in Brazil have seen another competing bill presented for the Senate to consider. The uncertain political situation in the country is sure to have an impact on the proposed gaming bills, but nevertheless there is still positive activity. The forthcoming Brazilian Gaming Congress May 11-12, organized by Clarion, has an impressive list of speakers that should provide excellent commentary and influence as the discussion progresses.
• Three companies were voted in as Associate members at the April meeting: Duane Morris law firm, Gaming & Entertainment Touch Technology, and the Holley, Driggs, Walch, Fine, Wray, Puzey & Thompson law firm. In addition, existing members AGS and Merkur have moved up to Gold member status and Vantiv Entertainment Solutions has moved up to Bronze level.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• AGEM members approved a $2,500 contribution to sponsor the forthcoming “Global Gaming Women-The Power of Technology” luncheon being held in Las Vegas on June 16. The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and sponsors.
• The AGEM board recently agreed to contribute $25,000 as sole sponsor for the President’s Reception. This prestigious event takes place during G2E Asia in Macau, May 17-19.
AGEM INDEX
The AGEM Index posted a sharp increase in March 2016 after gaining 8.54 points in February 2016. The composite index stood at 224.35 at the close of the month, which represents an increase of 27.35 points, or 13.9 percent, when compared to February. The AGEM Index reported a year-over-year increase for the sixth consecutive month, rising 34.07 points, or 17.9 percent, when compared to March 2015. During the latest period, 10 of the 14 global gaming equipment manufacturers reported month-to-month gains in stock price, with six up by more than 10 percent. Of the two manufacturers reporting declines in stock price during the month, only one was down by more than 10 percent. The remaining two manufacturers reported flat performances month-to-month.
