The campaign to bring digital gaming machines to British pubs is being led by Sceptre Leisure, the major operator, which this week launched three new exclusive digital AWPs (Category C in the UK).
The Titanium, Palladium and Rhodium models are built by Sceptre shareholder Gauselmann Group in Germany in partnership with its UK subsidiary Blueprint.
It takes the total number of digital machines operated by Sceptre to over 2,000, making it one of the largest operators in this sector. The new product encompasses high-quality cabinet and premium content, following intensive co-operation between Sceptre and Blueprint.
The brands will replace the King of Games, which will now be phased out across UK pub estates and will now only be operated in adult gaming centres.
The three new machines boast increased security, real-time connectivity, gameplay analysis, enhanced attraction facilities and exclusive game content. They will each have separate game menus, with Titanium holding the ultimate offering.
The new games will benefit from ongoing commitment to constant evolution of digital game content that is the result of technological advances implemented by Sceptre. They will run alongside analogue AWPs in an estate that is close to full national connectivity, which will be another first for Sceptre. By the end of the year the company plans to have full connectivity, bringing benefits such as remote diagnostics and content management, including remote game downloads and auto-fault detection.
At the same time, Sceptre announced new and improved services to customers with four new initiatives, all aimed at improving the experience for operator and player. A dedicated team of customer liaison managers will drive standards on site and increase customer support. The CLMs, as they are called, will be locally-based and will visit operators to give them constructive guidelines to maximise their machine income and resolve any issues.
Income maximisation packs have been developed for each location with a machine booklet, income plotter to track performance, hints and tips for driving income, and feedback cards. A Sceptre customer charter has been devised to guarantee standards and operators will be given product briefs following AWP machine changes and installations.
