Posts By :

Sally Cohen

Electric Darts

Tradition Favorite with a Digital Twist. Think DARTS!

Tradition Favorite with a Digital Twist. Think DARTS! 2083 2083 GAD Vending

Own a bar, restaurant, arcade or lounge? Looking for better ways to engage your customers? Games with natural social distancing and easy to clean? Or just want the best digital dart game for your home? New Digital Darts bring this all-time favorite game into 2021.

The newest digital darts give you expanded player benefits thru the internet. Allows players to remote play, join tournaments or just play a local game with friends. Individual score tracking is available across machines. And players can enjoy worldwide rankings, statistics and competitions – from home and their favorite social establishment.

Darts do require space – but this traditional games gives you natural socially distancing. Many serious players bring their own darts. Or you can provide (or sell) disposable darts for maximum cleanliness.

One of the premier digital dart games is the Arachnid G3 Fire coin operated dart game. The G3 Fire is a revolutionary dart machine – and here’s how!

  • Larger 24” monitor for easier play.
  • Enhanced camera for better scoring.
  • Automatic target flip.
  • New games to keep the players engaged.
  • Live, remote play available with internet access.
  • Supports standard and remote leagues. (Printable brochure.)
  • Glowing, red, attention getting cabinet.

Looking to get a new digital dart game in NE, IA, MO or KS? GAD Vending stocks new and refurbished dart games at our warehouses. Call us to arrange for your new games today!

Back at the Office to a COMMON Coffee Pot? Gross. Try a Crane Coffee Vending Machine. Really? You’ll Love it!

Back at the Office to a COMMON Coffee Pot? Gross. Try a Crane Coffee Vending Machine. Really? You’ll Love it! 389 651 GAD Vending

Common coffee stations – with all the pots, creamers and sugars – is a single germy touch point of employees all day. And, let’s admit it, you didn’t miss the gross coffee station during COVID.

There is a simple solution. Get your breakroom a Crane coffee vending machine. If you don’t believe us – ask your GAD Vending rep to bring you a cup of coffee.

 

COTI FREESTANDING COFFEE VENDING MACHINE

Build a modern, hygienic coffee experience with the COTI free-standing coffee vending machine. With a large touchscreen and custom user interface, operators can engage users with a broad menu of fresh brew coffee beverages, while maintaining commonality with legacy vending machines for ease of servicing and cleaning.

  • 21” Full capacity touchscreen, with ADA compliance mode, to actively engage users
  • Extensive drink menus offering a variety of coffee, espresso, and tea drinks enabling operators to increase drink prices for higher ROI
  • Customizable beverage options with “Save my Drink” option to encourage return users
  • Reduced maintenance costs with 15-50% reduced cleaning time compared to competition
  • Flexible user interface allows operators to customize drink menu, drink names, and screen content and images, plus enable full HD video content
  • Integrates with other Crane Machines to provide a customizable, streamlined food and beverage portfolio experience

Looking at everything in the office to create a COVID free environment? Get rid of the manual pod machine. No more coffee pots that someone has to fill, clean and sanitize. And, you can get rid of all the common condiments – gone is the old creamers, sugar and powdered drink mixes. Gone is sanitizing the common break room counter between every cup of coffee from the pot. Gone is the unproductive morning coffee runs to some expensive coffee shop.

GAD Vending sells Crane COTI hot beverage vending machines in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. Call us to try a cup from a Crane COTI vending machine.

Guns n’ Roses Internet Connectivity and Update Tutorial

Guns n’ Roses Internet Connectivity and Update Tutorial 663 472 GAD Vending

Step by step how to set up internet connectivity on your new Guns n’ Roses Pinball. If you have any questions, contact your  service tech at GAD.

Retro Raccoons Review

Retro Raccoons Review 947 875 GAD Vending

Arcade Heroes Review Excerpt:

Today we can get you up to speed on those improvements thanks to the information passed along to me by Adam Wray of Glitchbit. This enhanced build will better fit into arcade (non-bar) locations, with a broader appeal, while still working for those venues that serve adult beverages. These improvements came along thanks to feedback that was heard at that show (as a note to any indie devs out there – that’s a great reason to attend an industry trade show with your product, as you’ll talk with potential buyers and might find out why they will – or will not – purchase your game) along with feedback obtained through location testing.

Let’s start with the animated gif that was sent my way, then I’ll break it down in case you don’t catch it all:

Here are all of those features in a handy bullet point list of this new cabinet design:

  • Drinks mode (for bars)
  • Cash mode (for non-bar arcades)
  • Higher splash guard
  • New cash door & cash acceptor vault
  • Improved control panel design with new art & controls layout
  • Custom liquid tray
  • New Handles
  • Wheels
  • Leg levelers

With all of that, the cabinet is still going to be “under $5k” on the price point and begins mass manufacturing for arcades to pick up soon. A precise date hasn’t been given, but I would venture to guess that Retro Raccoons will be available before the summer is over.

If you have played the game already, what did you think about it? If not, what do you find appealing?

Demand for PPE Continues

Demand for PPE Continues 739 544 GAD Vending

Make PPE convenient for your customers – whether in a break room or public area – people want and need PPE to continue to be out and about in the post COVID environment.

Offer essentials like disposable face masks, safety glasses, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Add contactless payment with a Crane tap and pay solution.

This Crane vending machine is already set with graphics and a configuration to add PPE to your vending line-up. Or create your own graphics, product mix and payment system. GAD know Crane Vending.

The King of the Monsters Arrives to Stern Pinball

The King of the Monsters Arrives to Stern Pinball 427 340 GAD Vending

THE KING OF THE MONSTERS ARRIVES! TOHO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND STERN PINBALL ANNOUNCE NEW GODZILLA PINBALL MACHINES

CHICAGO, IL – September 14, 2021 – Stern Pinball, Inc. and Toho International, Inc., the subsidiary of the Japanese entertainment studio Toho Co., Ltd, announce a new line of pinball machines based on the iconic Toho film franchise featuring the King of the Monsters, Godzilla!  The Godzilla pinball machines are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Godzilla is the longest running film franchise created by Toho, with thirty-two films produced since 1954. The popularity of the films have made Godzilla one of the most recognizable symbols in pop culture worldwide. In addition to numerous accolades and cinematic awards for film, music, and special effects, the Godzilla film series and licensed characters have generated over $1 billion in merchandise sales around the world.

In this monster-packed pinball adventure, players become Godzilla! The evil aliens, the Xiliens, use mind control rays to take control of the monsters King Ghidorah, Gigan, Megalon, Ebirah, and Titanosaurus. The Xiliens are demanding all of Earth’s resources. Godzilla and its allies, Mothra, Rodan, and Anguirus, battle the Xilien invasion with the goal of conquering Mechagodzilla to become King of the Monsters!

Chaos and destruction ensue on the playfield with Godzilla multiball, started by shooting one of the various shots in and through the centrally located skyscraper.  In the Premium and LE models, a motor actuates the skyscraper, diverting balls through each of its five stories as it collapses, ultimately locking three balls on its roof.  The Premium/LE playfield also features a collapsing bridge ramp. This animated breakaway ramp is guarded by a custom molded Godzilla and can divert pinballs back to the flipper or directly onto the playfield during Bridge Attack multiball.

On the Premium and LE models, Mechagodzilla features a motorized three-bank target set which rotates to reveal a spinner and jump ramp. Players will engage the Kaiju in battle by launching  pinballs with the jump ramp and bashing the magnetic ball catch on its chest to start Mechagodzilla multiball.

All models of Godzilla pinball machines feature an innovative “Magna Grab” magnetic newton ball, capable of catching pinballs from five different shot paths, including off the plunge. This device can also divert pinballs to set up shots from the upper left flipper. The game also includes the iconic title song “Godzilla” by Blue Oyster Cult, stunning hand-drawn artwork by Zombie Yeti, intricate wireform ramps, three spinning targets (Heat Ray, Mechagodzilla, and Monster Rampage), three flippers, three “powerline” themed stand-up targets and a UFO pop pumper. The game highlights video and audio from ten* Toho Showa Era Godzilla films to create a one-of-a-kind immersive Godzilla pinball experience.

Godzilla pinball machines also debut Stern’s Insider Connected system, which includes a QR code reader on the bottom arch that enables players to interact with the game and this new network in a variety of ways. Stern Insider Connected provides new entertainment and player engagement features and an operator focused tool set to drive location play and remotely manage every aspect of the machines. Insider Connected goes live with the launch of Godzilla, with the full scope of features scheduled for roll out over the next year.

Only 1,000 LE machines will be available. The LE version includes an exclusive full color mirrored backglass inspired by Mechagodzilla, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high gloss metallic silver powder-coated pinball armor, a custom designer autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity.

“Partnering with Toho, we have brought the Godzilla universe to pinball” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.  “Insider Connected enables players, owners, and operators to interact with their machines like never before.”

Pricing and Availability:

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (“MSRP”)*:

*MSRP for sales to USA end-users, before any VAT, GST, Sales Tax, Duties, or other taxes.                            

Pro Model:                                                      $US 6,899

Premium Model:                                             $US 8,999

Limited Edition Model:                                    $US 10,499

Godzilla pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.

About Stern Pinball, Inc.

Stern Pinball, Inc. is a global lifestyle brand based on the iconic and outrageously fun modern American game of pinball.  Headquartered minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport in the heart of North America, the company creates, designs, engineers, manufactures, markets, and distributes a full line of technologically advanced terrestrial and digital pinball games, parts, accessories, and merchandise.  Stern Pinball serves digital, consumer, commercial, and corporate markets around the globe.

Recent Stern Pinball titles include The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Stranger Things, Elvira’s House of Horrors, Jurassic Park, Black Knight: Sword of Rage, The Munsters, The Beatles, Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Wars, Aerosmith, Ghostbusters, KISS, Metallica, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Star Trek, AC/DC, Batman, and Spider-Man.  A broad range of players enjoy Stern Pinball’s games from professional pinball players who compete in high-stakes competitions around the globe to novice players who are discovering the allure of the silver ball for the first time.  To join the fun and learn more, please visit www.sternpinball.com.

About Toho

Toho Company, Limited, is a Japanese entertainment studio focused on the development, production, exhibition, and distribution of powerful live action and animated content including motion pictures, television and theater. Founded in 1932, Toho remains a prominent force in bringing brands and original storytelling with versatile talents to audiences worldwide. Its subsidiaries include Toho Cinemas, the highest grossing exhibition company in Japan, and Toho International, Inc., a U.S. established incorporated company that manages and commercializes Toho’s intellectual property portfolio. To learn more about Toho, visit: www.toho.co.jp/en/.

Follow Godzilla!

Twitter: @TOHO_GODZILLA

Instagram: @godzilla_toho

YouTube: GodzillaToho

###

All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.

*Final video and audio pending licensor approval.

NEW! AMI Co-Pilot App

NEW! AMI Co-Pilot App 469 483 GAD Vending

Designed for those that own a route with lots of AMI customers or the manager with multiple locations. This app does so much for you.

Operator Features

AMI Co-Pilot is a powerful mobile tool for operators and AV installers always on the go. Simply download the app and sign in with your AMI Operator Website credentials to view route connections, check revenue, access contact information, get driving directions, add/edit location managers, control installed systems, and more!

Venue Controls

Common actions previously done by using the remote control provided with your jukebox are now built into AMI Co-Pilot! Reject unwanted songs, power your device on and off during bands or sporting events, and even reboot your jukebox right from your own phone.

AMI Ad Manager Support

AMI Co-Pilot also includes an optimized version of our widely popular Ad Manager tool. In four quick steps, operators, installers, business owners and staff can create and schedule digital signage promoting their own goods and services! Ads created on your phone appear within minutes on your AMI equipment.

Want a demo? Need more information? GAD knows AMI!

GAD Knows Retro Raccoons

GAD Knows Retro Raccoons 947 875 GAD Vending

What a blast to the past! Retro Raccoons takes players back – and in a great way – to past arcade games.

Retro Raccoons is a retro styled, patented arcade that entertains up to 4 players with dozens of unique minigames. Each player has their own joystick, button and cupholder. New content and minigames are added periodically to ensure gameplay stays fun and fresh. Updates require Wifi or Ethernet access.

Retro Raccoons features the patented “Cheers” mode for bar and barcade locations. Requires players to place their drinks in the cup holders to participate, ensuring customers purchase a drink. Additionally, there is a traditional Cash Mode (bill acceptor) which makes it great for family friendly arcade locations.

Features include:

  • 40+ minigames
  • 2-4 player
  • New content added periodically
  • Large cup holders for bottles, cans or glasses
  • Light up marquee
  • For bar, restaurants, arcades, family friendly locations, homes and private establishments

Retro Raccoons is made in America featuring quality parts and an Intel CPU. This game is ETL Certified for both commercial and home use.

Sensational Retro Fun For Arcades, Bars & More!

  • Installed Dimensions: H: 72″ W: 38″ D: 27.5″ Weight: 245lbs.
  • Shipping Dimensions: H: 79″ W:46″ D: 32″ Weight: 256lbs.
  • Electrical: 120V @ 2A, 240W
  • Condition: New
  • Manufacturer: Incredible Technologies

Bar Tournaments to Drive Bar Traffic

Bar Tournaments to Drive Bar Traffic 617 360 GAD Vending

COVID is brutal on getting consistent foot traffic. Taking aside the new protocols, here’s ideas (some new – some reinforcing) to better repeat traffic in your bar, restaurant or barcade.

TRIVIA

Trivia made easy with AMI digital music systems. The digital game master has lots of great games to choose from. Run on every screen in the house for easy social distancing.

AMI also helps you by running contests on to users. This encourages app usage for both gaming and music playing. You, as the owner, has lots of options what to charge for and what’s free.

TOURNAMENTS

Want to turn your slowest night into your busiest? Looking to attracting a competitive audience? Near a gym and want to capture the post-workout crowd? How about a tournament?

Darts are a good one to start with. The G3-Fire can be connected to the internet to create a league with even a few people to start. The G3-Fire is a brilliant red to brighten even the darkest corner.

Billiards – what more can we say? Pool is a favorite with lots of variations to tournament, team or individual play.

Golden Tee also has internet leagues, contests and other built in games. Or work to create your own league. The new Golden Tee PGA is just shipping now, so this is a brand new game for the Golden Tee fan.

Pinball games are getting in the action by adding new internet capabilities. You can run a tournament. Join Stern Army. But always, and we mean always, keep the high scores on the game!

Tournaments should have some type of prize. Check with your local jurisdiction as to what you can and can not award!

Tournament Play Control

If you aren’t using some of the preset internet leagues, try an app like Match Play to control your tournament. Players can enter their score, with you controlling the official approval. You choose the games from head-to-head, round robin, elimination, best score, ladder brackets…. This allows you to run tournaments over time. Change the type of tournament to entertain your audience. And – extend the contest so everyone who wants can participate.

If you want a simple, manual bracket game – try printing a large format bracket. Or use chalkboard paint on a wall and draw or paint a bracket.

Approachable

Think ahead to make the game approachable. Everyone likes to participate and win!

  • Grand “Prize”
  • Best Fan Club
  • Make it a team sport
  • Announce winners across your TV screens with AMI Ad Manager
  • Consolation prizes are always a hit – worse ball, best flipper, etc.
  • Prizes can be money, trophies, medals, gift cards, bar swag (free advertising!), or other prizes

Don’t Drag It Out – But Maybe You Can

Pay attention to how long your tournament will last. You don’t want people to get too bored and leave. Or a tournament you can’t finish within last call.

Think about your tournament running over multiple evenings or on a particular week day. Invite players back for a “best of” tournament – along with drink/food specials.

Run a triathlon of games. Every Tuesday is a different game that accumulates points. Darts, Pinball, Golden Tee, etc. Players have 4 weeks to complete each station to their best score.

Start Your Own Pinball Tournament

Interested? Looking for more resources?

  1. Professional and Amateur Pinball Association (PAPA.org) guidelines.
  2. Stern Army
  3. International Flipper Pinball Association
  4. Bullshooter Dart League Downloadable Ads

Call GAD Vending office closest to you or our Omaha office at (402) 553-2812. Our staff has extensive knowledge in tournament resources

*The suggestions in this article are general. Make sure you check your local NE, SD, KS, MO or IO laws about gaming, awards and tournament rules before you choose the tournament type and rules that work for you. GAD Knows and Sells Games, Pinball, Pool and Arcade.