With the absence of some well-known companies, such as Machines Games Automatics (MGA) which preferred to put on its own exhibition in a well-known hotel in the area, this year 113 exhibitors, representing more than 500 national and international companies, brought their products to Málaga. The number of participating countries increased to 36, not including Spain, whose contribution was 16 direct exhibitors showing models and products from 300 foreign companies. The exhibition occupied a total floor space of 12,500 square meters, slightly less than in previous years. However, to everyone's surprise, with fewer Exhibitors and less occupied space, the Fair broke all records for the number of professional visitors over the first two days, during which 13,192 visits from Operators were recorded out of a total of 14,515, almost 13% more than at last year's fair.

The visitors were gratified to find that among the models on display were some of the offers and innovations that will presumably help to overcome the crisis. Carfama, together with its Austrian partner Funworld, presented its latest models, Touch Toy and Twin Star, intended exclusively for the Spanish market. The Twin Star terminal has a double 17'' TFT monitor and the latest technology in touch screens ELO iTouch which is awaiting accreditation in several Spanish regions. Nor did the "Captain Morgan" Type "B" machines on its stand pass unnoticed, the model from the Greek manufacturer Vlassis and imported by Videmur, and the revolutionary "Chicago" from the German manufacturer Bally Wullf  distributed in Spain by the Costa Cálida company. The IPS stand is always one of the most visited at all the fairs where it exhibits, and on this occasion nothing had changed. The new Dolphin 9900 terminal for the electronic capture of data and the Jackpot Hybrid for roulettes, were a real success, and together with the rest of the products form one of the most complete global solutions in the Spanish amusement sector. According to Carlos Collado, Director of Marketing and Communication, "For IPS the fairs are key appointments in the company's strategy, and this year's Málaga Fair has confirmed to us that in complex situations, the customers demand more innovation which in turn means a greater number of new features".

The trend in the market is continuing and the multiplayer machines such as roulettes and "electronic poker" tables were to be found on the stands of most of the exhibitors.  Among them should be mentioned "Top Poker" from the combined company Sleic/R. Franco, Top Connection, which has received accreditation in practically all the autonomous regions offered superb operating statistics for its installation in the arcades. Despite this, the real protagonists of the fair were without a doubt the multigame machines. This is an option that allows combinations of various games to co-exist on the same machine and which is expected to be officially accredited shortly for sale in the Spanish market. Meanwhile, the manufacturers are continuing to extend the supply of their present models combining reels with video in some of them. "Gigavegas" from the company Gigames, is among the latter and offers several minigames that alternate the reels of the lower zone with the possibilities of multiplying, selecting a prize or black jack from the upper zone. Other manufacturers, like Unidesa are still continuing to use reels in both zones, which is the case with the "Gladiators" model, or are alternating reels with video in the upper zone as is the case with the "Vikingos" and "Pearl of the Caribbean" models. From the latter model it has also created a version with reels only and a mini option with video. "Aztec" has been the answer from R. Franco to challenge its own earlier models "Santa Fe" and "Gnomos" which are recognised above all for the stability of their takings and, through them, are seen as true jewels for their clients. Finally if we have to identify one model above all the others on show in Málaga it would be the "Master Games" machine from the German company Merkur, part of the Gauselmann Group, which was to be seen on the Sente stand. A multigame machine which, once it has been officially accredited, will become a reference in the market, as have been the other outstanding models from this German company in the past.

When it comes to the Bingo sector, as in previous years the FB Metronia company occupied an important place at the fair. Its extensive range of models has continued to set the standards for the others. We are not always correct when we relate the facts and usually overlook the participation of such-and-such a company which nevertheless does not go unnoticed by its clients. From the manufacturers of kiddie equipment to those who develop payment methods, passing via those who offer equipment for arcades or financial services, there are many who feel that it is certainly worth making the effort to exhibit in Málaga every year.  In this case the exhibitors mentioned, although outstanding for their contributions were but a few of the companies who attend the event. The rest of the exhibitors, as happens with the chorus in a musical, showed their best finery and not one of them went away disappointed with their participation.

Once again this year, the Azar magazine took advantage of the occasion to present the prizes that it awards each year to the most outstanding people. A gala dinner took place on the exhibition premises which was attended by more than two hundred people. The organizer of the fair and President of the Interazar Group, José Manuel Ortega, was the master of ceremonies. The prize for the businessman of the year went to Santos Aranda from Sleic; that for the young businessman of the year, to Pablo Arranz. Carlos Chacón from Dosniha received the prize for innovation for his entrepreneurial vision with the introduction of electronic roulette to the market. The Portuguese company Electrodiver was also praised for its contribution and loyalty to the event since its very start. The night closed with two exceptional prizes. The first for the politician of the year, which went to the Director General responsible for Gaming in the Valencian Autonomous Government and the most moving of all, the prize for a lifetime dedicated to this sector. This latter was received by Joaquín Franco, accompanied on the stage, by his brother Jesús, the organizer of the event, and on behalf of everyone present his most "faithful enemy" in the field of business but also his most admiring opponent in the personal duel between them both, Manuel Lao. Politeness does not dispel bravery and the President of Cirsa gave Joaquín Franco a warm hug on behalf of all those present at the event.

Hanging in the air remains the question of whether the financial crisis will allow two fairs to be held in a year. As in other countries the choice lies in the hands of the exhibitors themselves. To them it equates to determining their future. Nevertheless, regardless of what may happen in the future, the Málaga fair has proudly demonstrated once again that there can be no doubt that the fair most wanted by the Spanish professional, is in Spain.

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