I assume your question is serious, so I will give you my best answer. The first thing to recognize is that its not just product, but a whole package surrounding the product. The GameTech product is extremely good, but there is more to it than just the product. The GameTech fixed unit product, especially the new release, is visually stimulating to the player, offers many choices and options to draw the player in and promotes additional paper play. The POS (point of sale) and management functions are intuitive to use and comprehensive. The handheld which is similar to a small palmtop computer is easy to read and operate. The GameTech unit does not utilize RF (radio frequency) technology. The problems with RF technology is what damaged the reputation of the AGTI MAXlite, which I myself observed at one of the conventions. FortuNet has implemented this technology with reasonably good success, though battery maintenance becomes critical. The GameTech fixed units and handsets are completely integrated through the common POS and enable a total package to the hall manager. The other difference is the complete commitment to customer service. This entails everything from initial installation, to program advice and on-going equipment maintenance. No other company has made the financial investment in building such a service organization. This is why I chose GMTC as my equipment provider. The state of TX is large and Trend has installations all across the state (80+ halls)and I have complete confidence in GMTC's ability and commitment to service these customers. A state of the art product, combined with a tremendous customer service commitment, provides my company the tools needed to be the market leader. This is also true outside of TX. I hope I don't get flamed for advertising, but you did ask.
As to bingo stocks, that is an interesting question. I will of course recommend GMTC. At its current price there should be a good profit opportunity. It has growing revenues, is profitable and has approximately $3.50 per share cash. MGAM, the leader in linked games and competitor with Sonic Bingo, is now off its recent highs. I think it may decline further, unless the legal situation clears up soon. Once the legal issues are resolved they will be the one to beat in the linked game segment of bingo. American Bingo & Gaming (bngo) is in transition right now. I provide equipment to a number of their halls, so I am familiar with the company. The company is dealing with management changes and a legal situation in SC. However, with a share price hovering just above $3.00 per share it is getting tempting. They have a great deal of cash ($11 million $1.50 - $1.75 per share) and their 1st quarter should be better than the 4Th quarter. Last fall the stock reached $10.50 per share, so there are many upset investors in this stock; however, some peoples troubles are other peoples opportunities. Bingo & Gaming International (bing) is really focusing on the sweepstakes machine business at this point. They have three halls over in MS, with GMTC equipment, but were in the process of selling them to BNGO. I'm not sure about the current status of this transaction, or if will actually be consummated. You might check with Reid Funderburk (rfund@aol.com), the CEO of BING for more information. I'm not to familiar with NRAG. I would stay away from Stuart Entertainment dba Bingo King (STUA) at this point. They are loaded up on debt and losing money. During 1997 they lost $13 million and interest expense was 10% of sales. Gross Margins were only 30%, so the debt level is unsustainable. I predict a restructuring within the year, which is needed for the health of the company, but shareholders could get hurt.
I think I covered the major bingo stocks. Let me know and I will be happy to go into more detail, if of course you are serious.
tgs59 |
