Gaming Technologies Association

09/09/2021

It's spreading ...

Australia’s Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) has announced plans to host a Queensland Gaming Roadshow for buyers

09/09/2021

It's official!

With COVID-19 having forced the postponement of Australia’s two national gaming events in 2020 and now 2021, the Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) has organised three trade-only events for members to demonstrate gaming machines, support systems and services to buyers from Casinos, Clubs, Pubs ...

08/09/2021

With COVID-19 having forced the postponement of Australia's two national gaming events in 2020 and now 2021, the Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) has organised three trade-only events for members to demonstrate gaming machines, support systems and services to buyers from Casinos, Clubs, Pubs and Hotels across Queensland.

The Queensland Gaming Roadshow starts at The Ville, Townsville, on Thursday, 16 September. It will then travel to Bundaberg and The Brothers Sports Club on Monday 20 September, and last on the schedule is The Star Gold Coast on Thursday 23 September.

"Organising a Roadshow for our members has provided them with an opportunity to meet once again with clients face to face", said GTA's Chairman Adrian Halpenny, SVP Australia & Asia SG Gaming ANZ. "With our industry's more prominent gaming and hospitality events postponed because of COVID-19, the Roadshow is allowing us to catch up with some old friends and to make some new ones."

At the events, you will have an opportunity to view some of the latest machines from Ainsworth, Aristocrat, Aruze, IGT, Konami and Scientific Games, and chat to MAX and Utopia Gaming staff about the best systems and services for your venue.

Doors will be open from 10 am until 4 pm, with tea and coffee served throughout the day, compliments of MAX.

The dates and venues for these trade-only events are:
· The Ville, Townsville, Thursday 16 Sept 2021
· The Brothers Sports Club, Bundaberg, Monday 20 Sept 2021
· The Star Gold Coast, Thursday 23 Sept 2021

Register to attend at https://gamingta.com/queensland-gaming-roadshow/

08/05/2018

Gaming Technologies Association Appoints Executive Officer.
The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) is pleased to advise that Chris Muir has been appointed to the position of Executive Officer, following an extensive search conducted by Boyden Australia. Chris is qualified in economics and law and has extensive leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. “The industry we supply is highly compliant and increasingly complex” said Adrian Halpenny, GTA’s Chair. “Chris will bring the additional expertise and knowledge required for GTA to further elevate its position as a voice of reason and a trusted adviser to all stakeholders”.

22/03/2018

Wymac Gaming Solutions joins Gaming Technologies Association. The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) is pleased to confirm Wymac Gaming Solutions as an Associate Member.“Wymac Gaming Solutions is an increasingly influential industry participant and we welcome its expertise and knowledge to our Association” said GTA Chairman Adrian Halpenny. “Wymac will provide welcome input, particularly to GTA’s Technical Committee and to various important industry discussions.”

22/03/2018

14/03/2018

SA-Best poker machine policy is misleading voters

The Gaming Technologies Association has called on Nick Xenophon’s SA-Best Party to withdraw its gaming policy after a recent decision in the Federal Court rejected two of the key claims underlying Mr Xenophon’s policy.

In the policy announcement yesterday Nick Xenophon committed SA-Best to: “Making [poker] machines ‘con-free’ by removing misleading and deceptive features such as near misses and ‘losses disguised as wins’.”[i]

Mr Xenophon further claimed that this policy would ensure that Consumers are “protected” and can make “fully informed choices with relevant information”.[ii]

On 2 February 2018 the Federal Court of Australia completely dismissed claims of misleading and deceptive conduct and also unconscionable conduct against Crown Melbourne and Aristocrat Leisure. The ruling confirmed that Australia’s poker machines operate under a robust regulatory regime and can be enjoyed with confidence.

CEO of the Gaming Technologies Association, Ross Ferrar, said: “Our industry has been subjected to stringent legal scrutiny and has passed with flying colours.”

“However, opponents of our industry continue to rely on the very same claims that were rejected by the Federal Court. The truth is that every poker machine in operation in Australia is subject to stringent legislation, regulatory review and oversight, including in South Australia.

“Justice Mortimer conducted an open and lengthy legal process in the Federal Court and ultimately the claims made about poker machine design were emphatically rejected. I would urge Mr Xenophon to respect the findings of the Federal Court and amend his policy and withdraw his comments.”

[i] 19 February 2018, Media release: “SA-Best Gambling Reform policies will dramatically reduce pokies addiction and community harm”, SA-Best,

[ii] Policy Document: “Gambling Reform”, SA-Best,

14/03/2018

The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) welcomes Justice Mortimer’s ruling in favour of Aristocrat and Crown in the Federal Court which marks a line in the sand that should end the campaign of myth and misinformation that has been waged against the industry.

GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said: “This case has failed on all counts. The judgement clears the air after a vexatious campaign waged against the industry based on speculation and claims that have failed to withstand legal scrutiny.

“Throughout this process the industry has faced incredible scrutiny, which our members welcomed, and we are pleased that Justice Mortimer has found that the action brought has failed on all counts. In particular, the Association notes Her Honour’s comments regarding Aristocrat and Crown’s
compliance with “a detailed and comprehensive regulatory regime” which was an important factor in her conclusion.

“Justice Mortimer’s ruling is further evidence that Australian poker machines are robustly regulated and can be enjoyed with confidence.”

Mr Ferrar said: “This is an important outcome for the gaming industry and the countless Australians who will continue to enjoy poker machines with the full knowledge they are playing games that adhere to world class standards.”

14/03/2018

Judgement Summary – Guy v Crown Melbourne Ltd (No2) [2018] FCA 36 Posted on March 14, 2018 by GTA

On 2 February 2018 Justice Debra Mortimer of the Federal Court of Australia handed down her judgement in this matter. The Applicant was a member of the public named Shonica Guy. The Respondents were Crown Melbourne Ltd and Aristocrat Technologies Australia. The Applicant’s case centered on the popular gaming machine manufactured by Aristocrat Dolphin Treasure. Justice Mortimer’s judgement was that the Application be dismissed in its entirety.

On the issue of “losses disguised as wins” Justice Mortimer concluded…

“…information about the amount bet and the amount won is already displayed to the gambler, and allows the gambler to see easily whether her or his ‘win’ is a net win or a net loss. There is no ‘concealment’ of any of these features from the gambler.”[i]

On the issue of “celebratory feedback”[ii] Justice Mortimer concluded…

“…the sounds associated with a win on the Dolphin Treasure EGM are chosen to align with the length of time an amount won by the player takes to increment on the ‘win meter’ of the Dolphin Treasure EGM. Contrary to being unfair, or deceptive, or exploitative, a correlation such as this…is a way of allowing a gambler to measure the size of the win – whether or not it is more or less than the bet.”[iii]

On the issue of the alleged “oversized reel feature” Justice Mortimer concluded…

“There is no evidence from which it could be inferred that these perceptions would lead a gambler to turn his or her mind at all to how many ‘stopping points’ exist on each reel, and how this might affect the probabilities of a winning line occurring.”[iv]

On the issue of “dispersed symbols image” Justice Mortimer concluded…

“No basis in the evidence has been provided for an inference that such a [hypothetical] gambler would be looking at the distribution of the symbols for the purposes of understanding her or his odds of securing a winning line.”[v]

On the issue of “return to player” Justice Mortimer concluded…

“Whether by actually gambling on the EGM and experiencing outcomes, or accessing the available information, any confusion or initial impression engendered by the RTP representation would be quickly dispelled. For that reason I do not consider the Risk representation is misleading within the meaning of that term in s 18 of the ACL [Australian Consumer Law].”[vi]

On the issue of “near misses” Justice Mortimer concluded…

“…the applicant’s submissions about near misses cannot be accepted.”[vii]

On the Applicant’s case Justice Mortimer concludes…

“I have concluded that none of the applicant’s causes of action are made out.”[viii]

[i] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [521 – 522].

[ii] Celebratory feedback is defined by Justice Mortimer as “the lights, images and sounds made by the machines whenever sufficient symbols align in a manner that results in the gambler receiving a return”, see – Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [169].

[iii] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [519].

[iv] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [352].

[v] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [355].

[vi] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [444].

[vii] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [389].

[viii] Guy v Crown Melbourne Limited [2018] FCA 36 at [537].

06/02/2018

Gaming Technologies Association welcomes Federal Court
judgement in poker machine case. Melbourne 02 February: The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) today welcomes Justice Mortimer’s ruling in favour of Aristocrat and Crown in the Federal Court which marks a line in the sand that should end the campaign of myth and misinformation that has been waged against the industry. GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said: “This case has failed on all counts. The judgement clears
the air after a vexatious campaign waged against the industry based on speculation and claims that have failed to withstand legal scrutiny. “Throughout this process the industry has faced incredible scrutiny, which our members welcomed, and we are pleased that Justice Mortimer has found that the action brought has failed on all counts. In particular, the Association notes Her Honour’s comments regarding Aristocrat and Crown’s compliance with “a detailed and comprehensive regulatory regime” which was an important factor in her conclusion. “Justice Mortimer’s ruling is further evidence that Australian poker machines are robustly regulated and can be enjoyed with confidence.” Mr Ferrar said: “This is an important outcome for the gaming industry and the countless Australians who will continue to enjoy poker machines with the full knowledge they are playing games that adhere to world class standards.”

19/12/2017

Tasmanian Industry Under Assault - The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) today said the Tasmanian Labor Party’s attack on poker machines in hotels and clubs was an act of economic vandalism that will cost jobs and strip millions from the Government’s capacity to fund essential services for the community.

“This policy is a disaster for the 3,000 Tasmanians who rely on jobs in the hospitality sector,” GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said today.

“The facts speak for themselves. Expenditure on poker machines in Tasmania has declined significantly in both real and per-capita terms since 2003 but still contributes $31 million to Tasmanian Government revenue.

“Labor’s policy creates a $31 million black hole in the Tasmanian budget, that can only mean cuts to essential services.

“Our Association is calling on the Tasmanian ALP to be honest and open with the Tasmanian people; which services does it propose to cut to pay for its promise?”

“Electronic Gaming Machines in pubs and hotels are a legitimate and legal activity. The overwhelming majority of Tasmanian poker machine users are responsible gamblers.”

“Removing poker machines from all hotels and clubs rides roughshod over their legitimate choices and those who enjoy poker machines responsibly.

“Tasmania has one of the strictest regulatory environments for poker machines in the world. Regulators impose comprehensive conditions at every stage and on every aspect of poker machine design and operation,” Mr Ferrar said.

“All poker machines operating in Tasmania are subject to stringent legislation, regulation and national standards which ensure that machines available for play in Tasmania are safe and enjoyable for consumers.”

“The GTA strongly supports harm minimisation efforts, however, we do not believe banning our products is any more likely to assist problem drinkers"

Key Figures:

- The Opposition has proposed to remove 2,400 poker machines from 98 venues across Tasmania. (ii)
- The Tasmanian Opposition claims this will create 183 jobs at a cost of $50 million in government grants to venues.
- Gaming in clubs and hotels supports approximately 3,000 jobs in the Tasmanian hospitality sector. (i)
- In 2015-16, poker machines, along with Keno, in hotels and clubs provided $31,514,000 in revenue for the Tasmanian Government, as part of $81,846,000 in total revenue produced by the Tasmanian gaming sector. (iii)
- Expenditure on gaming machines in Tasmania has been in decline for more than ten years on both an overall and per capita basis.
- In 2003-2004, Tasmanians spent $461.78 per capita on gaming machines. In 2015-16 it was $282.86. (iv)
- In 2003-2004, Tasmanians spent $167.6 million on gaming machines. In 2015-16 it was $114.2 million. (v)

(i) Employment figures for gaming machines are taken from page 122, Volume 1 of the Third Social and Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania produced by Liquor and Gaming in the Tasmanian Department of Treasury and Finance. The total figure provided in the study was 4,061, however two sub-categories “Licensed Premises Gaming Operatives” and “Technicians” are relevant here.
(ii) See Gambling Industry Data on Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming website.
(iii) See Australian Gambling Statistics 1990–91 to 2015–16, 33rd edition, page 340, available here.
(iv) See Australian Gambling Statistics 1990–91 to 2015–16, 33rd edition, page 336, available here.
(v) See Australian Gambling Statistics 1990–91 to 2015–16, 33rd edition, page 334, available here.

25/07/2017

Australasian Gaming Expo Exhibitor Space - Sold Out! The Gaming Technologies Association, owner and operator of the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) announced today that the event is a sell-out. Scheduled for 15-17 August 2017 at the new ICC Sydney at Darling Harbour, AGE 2017 has already shattered records for the most exhibition stands (248 which is 26% up on last year), largest exhibition stand space (9,558 square metres, 17% up on last year) and highest number of visitor pre-registrations (26% up on last year) in the event’s 28 year history. In addition, 1,120 complimentary seminar places are sold out. “The results are a big vote of confidence in the future of the industry” said Ross Ferrar, CEO of the Gaming Technologies Association. “As well as providing reliable, secure entertainment for millions of Australians, poker machine operations support more than 140,000 irreplaceable jobs and have provided over $50 billion in government revenue over the last 10 years. Anyone who has driven on a road, studied at school or university, or visited a hospital in Australia over the last 10 years is a direct beneficiary of poker machine operations.” More information about the AGE and Visitor registration are available at www.austgamingexpo.com or call the Gaming Expo Help Line on 02 9211 7430.

20/06/2017

GTA CEO elected to EEAA Board. The CEO of the Gaming Technologies Association, Ross Ferrar, was elected to the Board of Directors of the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) at its Annual General Meeting on 7 June 2017. GTA Chairman, Adrian Halpenny, noted that this appointment recognises GTA’s Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE). “Since 1990, the AGE has provided an annual cornerstone of the region’s hospitality and gaming industry. We have strived to continually elevate the event and this appointment is a testament to our teams’ performances over the years” he said.EEAA is the peak industry Association representing Organisers, Association Organisers, Venues and Suppliers within the exhibition and event sector. The EY study, The Value of Business Events to Australia, shows in 2013-14, there were 2,157 exhibitions staged in Australia, attracting 9.3 million visitors and over 65,000 exhibitors. The total direct expenditure from exhibitions was $3.1 billion and these events contributed direct value add of $1.5 billion and generated over 21,000 full time equivalent jobs.The work of the Association and Members is a testament to the Power of Exhibitions as a driver of the economy and in particular economic development, trade and export, employment, visitation and knowledge sharing. A not-for-profit organisation, EEAA works to ensure industry growth by encouraging high industry standards, promoting the professionalism of EEAA Members and highlighting the unique business opportunities which exist through exhibitions.Read more about EEAA, its advocacy work or view the Power of Exhibitions video.The 2017 Australasian Gaming Expo is at ICC Sydney on 15-17 August. More information and Visitor registration are available www.austgamingexpo.com or call the Gaming Expo Help Line on 02 9211 7430.

17/01/2017

AGE 2017 is already setting new records.Visitor registration is open for AGE 2017, a full 7 months prior to when we were able to open it for the 2016 Expo and as with last year, Social Media is making registration a simplified process with auto-filled fields via the most popular social networks on the planet. Registrants will be able to see who is attending, identify the most meaningful and relevant Gaming Expo contacts who they’ll benefit from meeting at the Event. We’ve also considered returning visitors, with fields pre-populated, requiring just a couple of clicks to complete the registration. And of course by registering now will save time by avoiding having to line up on the day. To complete the social media registration just click on this link here. https://www.infosalons.com.au/AGE17S/ In another milestone for AGE, with 20% more floor space than what we had in 2016, 90% of the floor space has already been taken by 176 exhibitors. This is exciting news with 9 months to go until the show’s start date, which is the world’s third largest casino gaming equipment exhibition.
Our optimism was further confirmed recently about the event's future at the new ICC Sydney at Darling Harbour. In November a group of 120 inquisitive exhibitors visited the ICC for a sneak peek of what to expect. Comprising both large and small exhibitors, with their exhibition contractors and their staff, along with the AGE coordinating team, it was a chance to get a first hand glimpse of what is truly a world class venue for AGE 2017. The highlight of the visit was Hall 3 and while they saw only ½ of the massive 19,000 square metres of floor space that AGE will be occupying in 2017, one visitor was still impressed enough to describe the hall as ‘Cavernous”. Taking advantage of the multi-purpose seminar rooms complete with smart lecterns at the new ICC Sydney, at AGE 2017 we will be running complimentary seminars for registered exhibition visitors. The seminars will include a “Global CEOs Forum”, to be moderated by Michael Pascoe and a “Women in Gaming” event, along with a range of sessions about topical issues. The Australasian Gaming Expo is on the 15th to the 17th August, 2017.

12/08/2016

AGE Sets New Attendance Record: AGE 2016 concluded yesterday and with 6,813 visitors attending over the three days, it has established a new attendance record, since the show first started 27 years ago. We believe that the success of the show reflects that the Hospitality and Gaming Industry in Australia is a dynamic and vibrant one that continues to grow and we have been able to capitalise on this growth. In achieving this we thank both the exhibitors and the venue itself for their contribution.
Today also marked the end of an era as we depart from the temporary venue which has housed us for the last three years, while the new ICC venue is being built at Darling Harbour.
We leave with fond memories of the event continuing to grow and appreciate the support of the venue team working as one with our teams. We thank venue management and staff, and we will remember the venue fondly. We also applaud the courage and commitment of the NSW State Government for its investment in the temporary venue, which certainly contributed in a major way to the sustainability of the Australasian Gaming Expo - and no doubt, the exhibition industry generally - during what could have been an extremely difficult 3 years. We're excited and optimistic about the event's future at ICC Sydney at Darling Harbour. Almost 100 exhibitors covering two-thirds of the exhibition floor have already committed to exhibit at the Australasian Gaming Expo on 15-17 August 2017. The new event website is already operational at www.austgamingexpo.com and plans are extremely advanced for an even bigger and better event. For further information call the Gaming Expo Help Line on 02 9211 7430 or visit www.austgamingexpo.com

18/07/2016

MYTH BUSTING ON POKER MACHINES
$1 MAXIMUM BETS MOST EXPENSIVE, LEAST EFFECTIVE WAY
TO ADDRESS GAMBLING ISSUES
The Gaming Technologies Association (GTA) today said claims made regarding the design of poker machines operating in the Australian market ignore clear facts about the strict legal and compliance obligations of the Australian gaming industry.
“A number of statements have been made in recent days which represent a clear challenge to the integrity of our industry and which are quite simply incorrect. “The gaming industry, community and government have been working together for many years to create a properly regulated and responsible industry,” GTA Chief Executive Ross Ferrar said. “Poker machines are a legitimate leisure activity that many Australians enjoy responsibly. “Let’s stick to the facts. Australia has one of the most stringent regulatory environments for poker machines in the world. Regulators impose comprehensive conditions on every aspect of poker machine design and operation. To be clear, State Government regulations in Australia expressly prohibit ‘near miss’ machines and there is no disguising the outcome of any bet. Machines clearly display one of two possible outcomes -- a win or a loss -- for each and every bet. “Bet limits in Australia are among the lowest, and play speed the slowest in the world,” Mr Ferrar said. On the issue of changes to maximum bets the Association said this would be the most expensive and least effective way to reduce the incidence of problem gambling which the Productivity Commission report acknowledges is declining. The cost of transitioning Australian gaming machines to meet just some of the changes put forward ranges from $5,000 for newer machines (21% of Australian total) to $9,000 for machines between 3-5 years old (15%), while those greater than five years old, representing 64% of all machines in Australia, would require replacement. The total cost of this process would be approximately $3.6bn. “The question must be asked, who is going to meet this cost?,” Mr Ferrar said. “Access to direct support and counselling is the best and most effective way to help people with gambling issues, the GTA strongly supports initiatives to direct greater effort in this area,” Mr Ferrar said. More information can be found here: http://gamingta.com/index.php/key-industry-facts

A number of inaccurate claims have been recently made regarding the gaming industry. It is important that this inaccurate information is corrected with facts:

13/07/2016

It just keeps getting better; bigger and better! With 25% more exhibitors lined up for 2016, the Australasian Gaming Expo just keeps getting bigger and better! “2015 was a sell out year so we’ve increased capacity for 2016 to keep up with exhibitor demand”, said Ross Ferrar, CEO of the Gaming Technologies Association, “Our long term exhibitors wanted to showcase more products which required more floorspace, but it has also allowed for more new exhibitors. Over 20% of exhibitors at the 2016 Australasian Gaming Expo are new exhibitors, with new products and services to offer the industry”. The Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) is now in its 27th consecutive year. In the early years a lot of paper moved around, from application forms to show maps and brochures. Now visitors can access all the information they need via the event app. The app features an interactive event floor-plan and uses beacon technology to advise of entertainment, events and more throughout the venue. The mobile app has provided more information than ever before, in real time, in the palm of your hand. Download the app from the Apple store or Google Play. For more information visit the AGE website. The event is again being held at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island. This unusual venue was re-purposed from the 2012 London Olympics. After arriving in Australia it was reconstructed on a concrete slab the size of five football fields and enjoys views of both the Harbour Bridge and the Anzac Bridge. This year the AGE will use all four halls of the venue, a whopping 20,000 square metres, 4400 square metres more than the previous years. Visitors to the event can arrive by complementary ferry from Darling Harbour, complementary bus from Central Station and Pyrmont, or taxi or private car. More information about getting to the venue can be found on the event app or the event website. Visitor registrations are open. Visitors can register to attend via the event website. Visitors attending the show will again have the opportunity to win a trip for two to the world’s largest Gaming Expo, G2E, held in Las Vegas in September. One trip for two will be drawn on each of the operational days of the AGE. More information is available from the event app and the event website. The Australasian Gaming Expo is the must attend event for the Gaming and hospitality industry. In previous years 97% of visitor said they came to see new products and technology. With new equipment being showcased at the AGE, and so many new exhibitors both domestic and international, visitors won't be disappointed with the 2016 Australasian Gaming Expo. This year’s Australasian Gaming Expo will be held from Tuesday 9 until Thursday 11 August at the Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island. Register at the AGE web site or call the Gaming Expo Help Line on 02 9211 7430.

27/06/2016

Easy registration for AGE 2016 through Facebook.
Visitors registering to attend the Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) will find it easier this year with the addition of “social media registration”. Social media registration fills in the necessary forms automatically via the most popular social networks on the planet – Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.Visitors can then see who else from their social media network is attending, identify their most meaningful contacts who’re attending and who they can reconnect with at the event. So not only will visitors using social media registration save time avoiding forms, they’ll save time by avoiding having to line up at the event and they’ll know which friends and colleagues are attending. Visit www.austgamingexpo.com and click on “Visitor Registration” to use social media registration.