The fall-out from the UK’s Brexit vote, taking it out of the European Union, was met with varying reactions in the international amusement and attractions industry.
It was described as "potentially very positive for those seeking to invest in the UK gaming industry," by Richard Wilson, the special advisor to the Gauselmann Group who has been instrumental in putting together many of the German group’s UK acquisitions.
“There can be great opportunities in the UK, even outside of the EU,” he said. “There is no question that our investment policy as far as the UK is concerned will continue as before.”
Wilson called upon anyone with comments to make on the Brexit outcome to register their views on the social media site www.Qutee.com
Wilson’s points were backed up immediately by news this morning that, Brexit notwithstanding, Novomatic has bought the big Talarius adult gaming centre group in the UK.
Eduardo Antoja, president of Euromat, the European federation of coin machine trade associations, said: “’Uncertainty’ seems to be the rule in many European states now, including Spain. We fear that the outcome of the polls this Sunday won’t mean any significant change in the Spanish ‘governability’ and the risk of a third round is not minimal" (Spain was due to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday, June 26).
“Regarding the UK situation; long transient periods don’t help to create positive business frameworks. I hope that the ‘disconnection’ is as quick as feasible.”
Zane Mersich, CEO of Novomatic UK, who at the weekend oversaw the purchase of UK adult gaming centre group Talarius, said: “The key word for us - and I’m sure it’s exactly the same for our peers - is ‘uncertainty’. We find ourselves in a position where no-one really understands how the economy will pan out in the longer term and whether or not, in turn, that will impact the discretionary spend of our customers.
“More broadly, the decision to exit the EU could, potentially, cause the leisure and gaming industry some difficult challenges in the months and years to come as the ripples of that uncertainty are felt throughout the supply chain. We are, as one might say, in uncharted waters.”
He reaffirmed his company’s intention to work through the situation and deliver for its customers.
John White, chief executive of BACTA, the UK trade association, said: “The political and economic turmoil caused by the vote means that progressing our agenda is going to be significantly more difficult.”
Harald Neumann, CEO at Novomatic in Austria, said: "We have already started to analyse the potential risks and opportunities that the Brexit scenario might cause. Novomatic, being involved in the importation and exportation of goods and services into and from the EU, will do everything to meet the upcoming challenges."
