The number of AWPs in German pubs will probably dip by 15,000 units in November of this year, with fresh legislation being enacted that reduces the number of machines in each location from a maximum of three to two.
There is currently estimated to be 85,000 machines in German pubs – the secondary market after the big arcades business. According to industry statistics, 38,000 locations have one or two machines in operation but 15,000 have the maximum of three.
Those locations will have to shed at least one of the AWPs, reducing the overall size of the German market still more. The industry is currently on about 250,000 AWPs, down from a high of 265,000 through a number of factors.
German manufacturers are currently stepping up their development and marketing to try to catch more of the reducing business. The giant Gauselmann Group, for example, has instituted a series of special events across the country in its local offices to market fresh software in its games.
Under the slogan “Do More for Two,” adp Gauselmann is running lectures and personal exchanges with operators through its local branches to optimise what, in Germany, is called the "hospitality" industry…ie bars. Two game packages are now being prepared that the company says will personalise the game offer to bar regulars.
