Latvia’s DLV is creating a niche for itself in the region with its versatile, reliable and cost-effective multi-game products
Latvia-based DLV was founded in 1994 and initially focused on its home turf in the Baltic region, but gradually expanded its presence into international markets including the European Union, non-EU countries in Eastern Europe, Central America and South America. In early 2010, the company made its maiden foray into Asia with the first of several installations in Cambodia. It is now actively looking to expand its reach in the continent.
DLV Chairman Mihail Volokotkin believes the Asian market, which has been long dominated by the major international slot suppliers, is now hungry for greater choice, making way for new brands and products, including his own.
DLV has good insight into the needs of slot operators—particularly the needs for operational and cost flexibility. As well as manufacturing slot equipment, the company runs slot halls in its home market and in South America. It also assists with the running of operations in Asia.
DLV will be showcasing its products at Stand 514 at G2E Asia 2012, from 22nd to 24th June at The Venetian Macao. Inside Asian Gaming asked Mr Volokotkin what visitors to his company’s stand could expect.
IAG: DLV offers two competitively-priced wide screen cabinets. Can you tell us about them?
Mr Volokotkin: Our company strives to stay up to date and meet the evolving needs and demands of our partners. Our prime objective is to create user-friendly products that meet current standards and market trends.
DLV is proud of its two latest cabinets, which are both highly marketable. The first is the DIAMOND STD – Slant Top, equipped with two 22” TFT screens and two multi-functional MK4 hoppers, as well as offering TITO support. It is also compatible with various casino management systems.
The second is the DIAMOND DW – Upright, also with two 22” TFT screens and equipped with two MK4hoppers, JCM bill acceptor and TITO support. In addition, it has a panel for the optional installation of management system components. This cabinet was designed in accordance with the standards and requirements of our customers. All products have been developed in collaboration with Grantech International company, who has been our partner for the past ten years.
What are the advantages for customers who choose DLV over the larger slot machine manufacturers?
Although DLV products can be found in the Asian market, our brand is still not well known throughout the region. The advantages we offer are flexibility and speed of response. In addition, DLV takes an individual approach to each client.
What insights have you gained running your own slot operations, including the 38 venues in Latvia?
Latvia is our home market, where we work and where we feel comfortable and confident. Our head office is located in Latvia, and all our new ideas are tested there first in our slot halls. That helps us to see where we need to make any adjustments. The goal of DLV is to provide a proven product that can easily and comfortably be used in any slot operation, whether it is based in Latvia, South America, Peru or Cambodia.
Your Jewel Jackpot progressive jackpot system has been a strong performer in Asia. Can you tell us why you think it’s done so well in the region?
In our experience, every product that is created on the basis of market research and prevailing trends is a strong product. But it is also important to properly market it. The unique feature of DLV products is how smoothly the games run from a technical standpoint.
In each of our innovations, we try to offer the latest technology, while catering to the characteristics and trends of each market, and incorporating the valuable feedback from our product focus groups. Another advantage for operators installing Jewel Jackpot is that they do not need any extra, specialized equipment, because our machines already come equipped with all the necessary features, and this helps us stay competitive on price. For example, on Jewel Jackpot, you can use the top screen on our cabinets for marketing the jackpot without the need for additional overhead jackpot signage.
The follow up to Jewel Jackpot, called Jewel Jackpot 2, was released last year. How is it different to the original Jewel Jackpot?
The Jewel Jackpot series is a progressive jackpot system including ten games and various themes. The first Jewel Jackpot enjoyed enormous success in many markets and our clients asked that we maintain the main features of the series and only update it to offer additional games. Taking into consider our customers’ feedback, it was obvious that we should continue the series with Jewel Jackpot 2 and Jewel Jackpot 3.
What have you learned so far from being active in the Asia market?
We have been involved in Asia since 1994. Our first experience came from purchasing spare parts from Taiwanese manufacturers, but now we have also started participating in operations in Asia. One of the main things we have learned is the value of being more attentive to our customers.
Do you plan to release any new products or games over the next few months? Is there anything you think would be particularly relevant to this market?
Our latest innovation is the mystery progressive jackpot system Gauya Quest. This remarkable product has the ability to operate either as a stand alone unit, or as part of a linked network. It offers a four-level mystery progressive jackpot—Earth, Moon, Sun and Vega. The mystery jackpot payout is influenced by bet size—the more a player wagers, the greater his chance of winning a higher jackpot. Gauya Quest is compatible with any of the fifteen game titles offered under the DIAMOND GAMES Premium series
The Gauya Quest theme is inspired by the real-life adventure of Latvian explorer Alexander Laime, who in 1949 reached the world’s highest waterfall, the 979 metre tall Angel Falls in Venezuela, during a trekking expedition. He named the river that feeds Angel Falls after the river in his home land: Gauya. DLV decided to bring this story to the gaming world and decorate the Gauya Quest jackpot with the landscape of the waterfall.
How strong is your technical and other support in Asia?
We place great emphasis on providing strong technical support. We have set up technical support offices in all the regions we are active. From Latvia we offer technical support for Europe, from Peru we support South America, and our highly qualified technicians in Cambodia provide support for Asia.
Needs and circumstances may differ across regions, and we stand ready to provide any support necessary for our products. We understand the importance of responding to customers’ requests quickly and constructively.
