Bacta National President John Bollom whose family has owned and run the iconic Mumbles Pier in Swansea south Wales since 1937 believes that events such as January’s EAG Expo provide an invaluable opportunity for operators to source the income generating machines which provide a financial lifeline for thousands of attractions and destination venues throughout the UK and continental Europe.
He stated: “Mumbles Pier is one of Swansea’s most famous Victorian landmarks and has been a defining feature of the landscape for more than a century. However, piers are incredibly expensive to maintain and the biggest revenue stream – and the only one that can be relied upon throughout the year – is the income that’s generated from amusements and low-stake gaming machines.”
He added: “The Amusement Arcade on Mumbles Pier features over 100 machines comprising the latest video games, sports themed games, 2p pushers and so on. Take that revenue out of the business model and life would become extremely difficult and undermine the ability to sustain what is the only attraction that brings visitors to the area beyond the summer season.
“A privately owned pier without an amusement arcade is simply not sustainable which is why attractions operators look to EAG to source the latest games and innovations which generate the income that’s needed to continue to trade, to attract tourists, to contribute to local economies and to generate valuable employment opportunities for local people.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 edition (16th – 18th January, ExCeL London) EAG Chairman Martin Burlin said: “The show provides an opportunity for all sectors of the industry to source the amusements and gaming equipment which will set their business up for the best possible start to the year. The 4,000+ operators expected to attend the 2024 edition have so much to gain including accessing the very latest product launches and innovations from over 100 leading brands, sharing insights and experiences with industry colleagues, keeping up with developments impacting social responsibility courtesy of EAG’s Safer Gambling Hub, celebrating industry excellence at the Bacta Annual Awards and participating in EAG’s topical seminar programme which is packed with business relevant content.”
Registration for EAG Expo 2024 the bacta owned trade show which brings together the low-stake gaming and amusements sectors has opened at https://www.eagexpo.com.