The IOA, the nationwide group of 14 owner-managed gaming machine operating companies, got 2016 off to a strong start during last week’s EAG show in London.
The group held a national meeting during the event to discuss the issues facing its members and the industry as a whole. These include the IOA’s digital strategy, which is one of innovation, content, connectivity and reporting.
“This is a key focus for our development,” said Nick Rudd, IOA vice chairman. “We see great opportunities with product and technology. The sited numbers of our digital AWP offering, King of Games, have grown in 2015, and are producing some great results. The caveat is they don’t work on every site, but when they do work they are growing the house weekly income.
“The next big opportunity will be stake and prizes, if we achieve the stake increase there is a significant amount of development work to be done by the manufacturer.”
On the first evening of the show, the IOA invited customers and friends to join them for a dinner at the Nakhon Thai restaurant near ExCeL.
Chairman Paul Langham welcomed guests and thanked them for their support. “The future for the IOA lies in the next generation of operators who are coming through the ranks,” he said. “Many of our members are family businesses and they not only benefit from the older generation’s many years of experience but also that of the younger digital generation, who have grown up around the technologies that shape the industry today.
“We are unique in that the products we offer to our customers are the ones we have tested and know will work on site. We are not affiliated with any particular manufacturer or distributor.”
Pictured - IOA chairman Paul Langham (centre) with Jonathan Powell of Select Gaming/G Squared Games (left) and Greg Wood of Essex Leisure
