On the one side, the traditional AWP sector, which remained beleaguered as essential details on the new Comma 6a machines still need to be worked out. Another show and no machines to sell, other than the old law games that are of limited appeal to operators. Someone described the Italian situation to me as receiving a big present, wrapped in lovely paper, but when it is opened there is nothing inside.

On the other side, there was the betting industry. Its stands bustled with people, drinking at bars. One display boasted red leather sofas and chandeliers. The buzz around this sector was the news that almost 20,000 new licences will be created by the government to establish new betting shops or concessions within existing venues such as bars. But, in case one might think that arcade operators may be able to get a piece of this action, rest assured – the licences will only be available to existing licence holders.

So, the rich get richer and the coin-op sector misses out. But the icing on the cake will be the news, that on the back of the new law, allowing these concessions is a provision for fixed-odds betting terminals. A huge market for machines opening up overnight. But how many of the manufacturing fraternity will have seen this market opening up? While they have been investing in Comma 6 and 6a, they could have been backing a much more lucrative horse. For what are FOBTs at the end of the day but gaming machines?

So while the coin-op sector got an empty box, the betting fraternity found a fortune hidden down the back of the sofa.

Stephanie Norbury

Editor

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