To: Hardrocker who wrote (1838 ) 4/1/1998 10:17:00 AM From: tgs59 Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 4539
Hardrocker, You are right!! The market for electronic bingo and games such as Sonic Bingo is significant and growing. I believe that several companies will do very well. It is not good to have one company totally dominate, as said company tends to get fat and lazy. I have not been critical of AGTI's fixed unit product as it is works well and looks good. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot say the same about the handheld product. I have never seen it work properly and my industry contacts have not been able to provide me a location that has been pleased with this product. The past problems with the fixed unit had to do with the field service, not the product itself. The issues facing AGTI with regard to the electronic bingo product lie in the fact that they have broken the product line apart. Bingo facilities want a provider to provide a total integrated solution and this requires both fixed and handhelds. Given the agreements AGTI has entered into, this has become difficult to offer. In Texas, K & B has the handhelds, but no longer have access to the AGTI fixed units due to the severance of their business ties and pending litigation. This is a problem. I personally visited several BTC locations yesterday and believe that I will pick up this business as I am able to offer an integrated solution now. The other issue is that AGTI is no longer in control of its destiny (U.S. markets) and receives only 15% share of the revenues. This does not go very far toward generating profits, certainly given the number of outstanding shares. The area of business that Sonic Bingo will compete is extremely interesting. I am not to familiar with the product, as there was no one to demo it for me during the 1996 World Gaming Conference. It is unfortunate that AGTI had to dilute their interest in this product, because it potentially could do well. Do not forget there are significant competitors, some of which have much greater financial resources also competing for this business. The market should be large though and several companies could do well. I do not believe that there will be significant results during 1998 from this product. You seem to indicate that I have not yet answered some of your other question. Please restate them to refresh my memory. I will do my best. One of the SI members seem to say that I should be more forthcoming as to my identity. I do not see how I could be more clear. I am the largest distributor in Texas and represent the largest competitor in electronic bingo. I a m certainly pro GMTC. I have and will attempt to only present basic factual information and eliminate coloring of these facts; however, as all would agree I am not unbiased. Should you need any basic industry information please let me know and I will attempt to provide as I have an extensive resource library and rolodex. tgs59