Following what has been an eventful year for the UK gaming machine industry, the Independent Operators Association is anticipating that January’s London show will be a significant one.
The IOA, comprising 14 members that between them operate approximately 28,000 machines, is looking forward to “a very productive three days” at EAG International, said chief executive Peter Weir.
“The year has been challenging for our members and their customers, not least because of economic pressures and the reduction in spend of the leisure pound,” said Weir. “Revenues from SWPs are in sharp decline and the much awaited triennial brought no stake change for AWPs, so only time will tell if it has a positive impact.”
AWPs, he explained, are the most important products to the association’s members and these are “always a strong feature of EAG International.” He also welcomed the news that new entrants to the market will be displaying their products at the show in January.
“The show has evolved dramatically and is now also a great shop window for ancillary product from around Europe,” he continued. “We’re experiencing a degree of product polarisation driven by our sites, so this aspect is important.
“The show represents a great place to network, meet people from abroad and generally keep up to speed with new ideas and innovations.”
EAG International takes place at London’s ExCel on January 21-23.
