At the Gaming Expo Belgrade 2008 in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, Austrian Gaming Industries GmbH (AGI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Novomatic Holding, proved its commitment to this growing market with a range of innovations and market-specific products.

The Gaming Expo Belgrade 2008 took place from 19th-21st February at the Belgrade Fair and – by special invitation of the show organizers – was opened by AGI’s Managing Director Jens Halle. In his opening speech he emphasised the significance of Serbia as a growing market but also the importance of a rapid regulation of the gaming industry in order to guarantee fair and open competition for all legal operators and providers.

On booth A400 AGI presented the latest product innovations recently launched at ICE such as the new Coolfire™ II games in the sophisticated Super-V+ Gaminator® and Super-R+ Gaminator® multi-game cabinets. The Super-V+ Gaminator® was a particular highlight of the show in Belgrade: it epitomizes the next generation AGI standard cabinet for the international markets. Featuring state-of-the-art video gaming technology the Super-V+ Gaminator® stands for performance by design!

Super-V+ Gaminator® comes with panoramic displays in extra-wide screen format, Multi-Denomination and Multi-Language options and offers great sound through subwoofers and an active satellite speaker system. Sophisticated style and highest quality make this cabinet a top casino attraction for maximum guest attraction and superior performance.

The Novo-Vision™ Slant Top I generated considerable interest. This casino slant top cabinet features a 22” bottom touch screen plus a giant 26” top screen for a new dimension of gaming entertainment. The innovative flip-screen feature allows players to switch their main game from the bottom to the top screen to play in their preferred and ergonomically perfect position. Another new feature is the secondary start button located in the foot rest for ultimate player comfort and relaxed gaming fun. The Novo-Vision™ Slant Top I brings sophisticated style and exclusive comfort to any casino floor. AGI also presented a specific product range for the Serbian market: Multi-Games 4 You™. Also the latest game mixes of the international bestseller Multi-Gaminator®, versions 30 and 31, were on display.

The show – although increased in size from last year, failed to meet expectations in terms of visitor numbers and did not justify three full show days. Visitor quality was excellent and much business conducted, but especially in the afternoon of the final day the show faded somewhat.

Nonetheless Managing Director AGI, Jens Halle, draws a positive balance but hopes for rapid regulatory developments: “Serbia represents a young and exciting market that has huge growth potential in both the short and mid term futures. However, the country’s has some 21,000 machines operating under regulated conditions but many more without any controls. Clearly, the market needs adequate and effective control of ALL gaming devices in order to progress and become a full member of the world gaming community.

Novomatic, as a licence holder in many international jurisdictions, completely supports a strong regulatory environment. They will play their part in supporting operators and the association JAKTA who wish to see Serbia develop a fair and well regulated gaming environment. The new sales office in Belgrade, which was opened in October 2007, signals a strong commitment to this market.”