The introduction of new stakes and prizes on British AWP machines, in categories C and D, will be the starting block for many British suppliers to win slices of the 240,000 machine market.
One of them, Alan Parker of Gamesoft, commented: "When the new regulation comes into effect in early June, it will wipe the slate clean for everyone. It will be a level start." Parker said that operators would probably wish to buy kits initially, putting them out on their existing machines. "They will re-equip in stages, buying kits to extend the life of their machines, but then gradually buy new models." He feels it will be September before suppliers begin to feel the real benefits of the legislation.
Gamesoft has a new model on the way and has already demonstrated it to selected customers with a very positive response. It will be for the Category C market, meaning arcades and bingo clubs, and is designed specifically around the new gambling laws, using twin screens, one of which is a wide model, built into a new cabinet.
