Utilising many of the same technologies as pay-to-play amusements, the kiosk sector is a hugely important market for a raft of suppliers.
WITH a varied and diverse list of applications, kiosks are an integral part of the consumer experience. Kiosks are used as information tools, a method of paying bills and topping up phone credit and – from the gambling industry’s perspective – a way of streamlining the betting process. With the closure of certain gambling markets, in Russia and Ukraine, for example, a number of manufacturers are channeling more of their energy into this business.
“The kiosk sector is a key part of our business now and moving forward,” said MEI’s Tom Nugent, whose company offers a variety of products for the kiosk sector, including the SC Advance note acceptor and BNR recycler. “As more and more retail stores look for ways to improve their efficiency and profitability it is important that MEI is able to provide them with the solutions they need. Because cash is so vital to every economy, and kiosks are increasingly introducing more ways to use cash, MEI continues to focus on the space that continuously offers new ways to pay for products, bills and services.” MEI is not alone. Payments specialist Astrosystems has also turned its attention to the kiosk market in recent years. Offering the GBA ST1 note validator, the stackless note acceptor GBA ST2 and the Microcoin SP coin validator, the company has a significant presence in the market.
“The kiosk sector has become extremely important to us over the last three years,” said Robert Bird of Astrosystems. “There has been much innovation in this field, with manufacturers taking advantage of the ever increasing self service culture. As a result, we see that demand for payment systems has become increasingly popular.”
The uses for kiosks are seemingly never-ending, bringing together a host of industries and location-types.
Read the full article in the June issue of InterGame.
