If only a government or Treasury official could have attended ACOS 2026, any ignorance around the value gaming and amusements contribute to culture and the economy, and their commitment to safety and security, would have been put to rest. Despite uncertainty ahead of the Budget, the show was a powerful demonstration of the industry’s purpose.
With ACOS 2026 taking place just two weeks ahead of a hard-to-predict Budget, discussion was understandably focused on questions of the economy; would MGD increase? How will new measures affect the seaside and high street? Which other costs may be due a hike?
However, if a government official had deigned to travel the six tube stops from Westminster, they would have no questions about exhibitors’ commitment to customer safety, security, and fun, with the show once again demonstrating the industry’s dedication to high standards.
“We do such a good job in terms of regulation, and operating proper businesses on the high street,” said Boomerang’s director of sales Freddie Shreeve. “But I do worry that the government and people in power, don’t quite understand what we do and how we do it.”
“All we can do is keep representing our business the right way, do the right things at the right time.”
That focus on showcasing the best of the industry was particularly evident across the gaming segment, with firms such as Reflex and Novomatic Gaming UK putting customer experience at the heart of their stand, while at Blueprint, MD Andy Tipple was hopeful that continued engagement with the government could reap positive results.
“We’ve been talking to the trade bodies, and I’ve been involved in a couple of calls with the Treasury as well, and we’ve put a good case across as to how we should maintain 20 percent MGD. So far, I think it’s a very positive attitude that we’ve got there.”
For the amusements segment, suppliers and manufacturers were united in bringing quality and innovation to the show, with highlights including SB Machines’ new Cogan Baby Rocket, JNC Sales’ “superb and unique” Let’s Play Bingo, UDC’s Surf Van, and Crown Direct’s impressive Bullseye pusher, alongside Electrocoin’s eye-catching Big 7 Wheel.
“There’s been an air of optimism at the show,” said sales and marketing manager John A Stergides. “We’re always optimistic, though. We always think that is going to be better. We always hope for that.”
“But at the same time, you just don’t know. There’s a lot of ‘What Ifs?’ around, which seems to have been a thing for our industry for a number of years. It makes it harder to plan ahead, especially new innovations, so it can be frustrating.”
Any visitors – politician or otherwise – who may have been influenced to doubt how seriously the industry takes customer safety would have been brought up short by the crowds at stands such as RBW Systems, whose Guardian Compliance system makes responsibility a priority.
While over at Wexel and NSM Music, the emphasis was on how bingo, music, and entertainment systems bring communities together, a crucial fact often overlooked in the halls of power.
With plenty of changes likely still to come over the next 18 months, let’s hope that next year, those in charge take a trip to Earl’s Court to see the best the industry has to offer.
Ifs, buts and maybes
John A Stergides said……. “There’s been an air of optimism at the show. We’re always optimistic … But at the same time, you just don’t know. There’s a lot of ‘What Ifs?’ around, which seems to have been a thing for our industry for a number of years. It makes it harder to plan ahead, especially new innovations, so it can be frustrating……
Originally published on Coinslot on October 19, 2026. Republished with permission.