The Amusement Network

22/12/2025

We have all packed in a lot in the past 12 months, haven't we?

Dealt with demanding customers, juggled family commitments and travelled sometimes more than we wanted. Well now is the time to relax, lose track of the days (and the waistline) and breathe a little.

With EAG, the launch of , Park Avenue, Bacta Convention and , to name but a few industry events in 2025, we have been busy too, reporting on industry developments and the highs and lows. This past month embodied both: the relief at the Budget decision and the sorrow of saying goodbye to industry friends.

Thank you for all your support this year – and merry Christmas! 🎄

22/12/2025

As the year closes, Joyce looks back, and the industry’s history comes alive.

🎅 Inside her December column:
• A Christmas message to the industry ahead of EAG
• A warm update on Leon Deith’s surprising new chapter as an author
• A nod to Arcade Britannia — and Colin Mallery’s role in preserving arcade history
• A remarkable, behind-the-scenes portrait of the late Roger Melling — from Pl***oy Clubs and Mayfair casinos to Jimi Hendrix, Africa, and a life few ever knew

🗞️

Well firstly I would like to wish all my readers Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2026, and to say thanks for keep reading my chat column I only hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do writing it, and see you all at the forthcoming EAG, which is

22/12/2025

🎢 Universal Studios is coming to the UK...

This is a huge moment for leisure.
The Government has given the green light for the UK’s first-ever Universal Studios theme park, a multi-billion-pound resort planned near Bedford — and the ripple effects will be enormous.

What we know so far:

• Planning approved via Special Development Order
• Construction expected from 2026
• Target opening: 2031
• Forecast 8m+ visitors a year
• Long-term economic impact estimated at £50bn

The real opportunity is everything around it:

• Estimated need for 19+ new hotels
• 89-restaurant shortfall in the local area
• £240m–£1.1bn in hotel & F&B development alone

📰

The UK has taken a major step toward creating its first Universal Studios theme park and resort, after planning permission was granted for the multi-billion-pound development near Bedford. The decision marks a landmark moment for the UK leisure and visitor

22/12/2025

Urban Fun makes its biggest move yet with landmark entertainment centre in Kingston upon Thames...

A landmark building. A multi-activity model. A clear signal of where leisure is heading. Urban Fun has officially opened its 24,000 sq ft centre in Kingston upon Thames, taking over the iconic former Wilko site and doubling down on destination-scale leisure.

With Reading already trading strongly and more 24–30k sq ft sites being sought, Urban Fun is making a serious statement about the future of large-format entertainment.

The official opening of Urban Fun’s new entertainment centre in Kingston upon Thames last week marked the culmination of a long-planned project for operator Matthew Deith – and the arrival of a major new leisure destination for the town.

12/12/2025

We received a lovely email from Kevin Weir following part one of this album last week. He said:

"I noticed that you had a question mark over Norman's archive golf day album.
I believe it to be the last of Nigel and Gerrys golf days somewhere in Surrey. It was the year I joined Electrocoin and both had retired, followed by Richard Dunnes departure shortly afterwards.
I then revived the golf day as the Electrocoin Golf Day which ran for many years at Dunstable Downs golf club."

You will be pleased to know that Kevin is enjoying his semi-retirement in Mersea Island!

More images from the same event 📸 https://www.amusementnetwork.co.uk/gallery/109/nigel-and-gerry-s-golf-day-part-2-2001

12/12/2025

Stephen Wools — the force behind Australia’s Ballers Clubhouse — is calling on UK FEC, leisure and hospitality operators to stop treating Competitive Socialising as a bolt-on and start seeing it as a core commercial strategy.

🔥 His message ahead of his SIE Expo keynote:
“Millennials and Gen Z want immersive play, atmosphere and premium hospitality. Competitive socialising is now a major force — not a niche. Visiting SIE could literally reshape your business model.”

His warning is blunt: “You can’t just add an activity and expect transformation. The experience must be intentional.” 👉

Stephen Wools, the acclaimed Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of the Ballers Clubhouse brand, is urging amusements, leisure and hospitality operators to rethink their approach to experience-led entertainment ahead of his keynote address entitled On t

12/12/2025

Reflex Gaming is wrapping up the year with a bang — and a brand-new festive edition of one of its biggest franchises.

🎁 Big Game Fishing: Christmas Catch (built with Yggdrasil) launches 9 December across the Yggdrasil network.

Full feature breakdown and gameplay insights now live on The Amusement Network 👉

Reflex Gaming, the UK’s largest independently owned omni-channel supplier, is delighted to announce the launch of Big Game Fishing Christmas Catch, the latest title in one of our most successful game brands to date.

12/12/2025

has levelled up for 2026 and the learning programme alone is worth the trip...

🎓 FREE Two-Day Seminar Programme
50 expert speakers. Zero cost. Pure, practical insight.

Expect sharp takeaways on:
• Post-Budget pressures
• Competitive Socialising trends
• DEI
• Compliance & Social Responsibility
• Licensing updates
• Pub sector challenges
• Brand building & customer engagement

🍸 Networking That Matters
• Tuesday: Drinks reception at the Bacta Business Lounge (6–8pm) with awards from Joe Cullis
• Wednesday: Dealer of the Year & Casino Bartender of the Year at the Hippodrome (7–9pm)

🍽️ Extra Perk
Show your EAG visitor badge at the Hippodrome for exclusive restaurant discounts, courtesy of Simon Thomas.

Find out more 👉

EAG Chairman Nick Harding believes that the Government’s welcome decision to hold the rate of Machine Games Duty serves as a perfect opportunity for operators to unite, regroup, and invest for the future with confidence.

05/12/2025

These photos from our archive are dated from 2001 and seem to show some kind of awards dinner – could it be a golf day? There are many familiar faces so let us know if you remember this evening!
📸 https://www.amusementnetwork.co.uk/gallery/108/mystery-golf-dinner-2001

05/12/2025

E-Service has just dropped its largest pool equipment range to date, backed by massive new stock levels at its Castleford depot, and it’s already reshaping operator expectations nationwide.

🔥 Dynasphere Balls Now in Stock (Including Ultimate Pool Pro Sets)
🌟 New Premium Ash Cues + Custom Branding
🟦 Full Hainsworth Cloth Range Ready to Ship

With containers arriving weekly, customisation options expanding and pro-grade kit now in bulk supply, E-Service is setting a new benchmark for the UK pool market 👉

E-Service, one of the UK’s leading technical support and spares suppliers to the amusement and leisure industry, has launched its most extensive range of pool equipment to date, backed by a major stock investment at its Castleford depot

05/12/2025

NOVOMATIC Gaming UK has revealed its power-packed line-up for EAG & LCG...

🐉 Rise of the Dragon™ Takes Centre Stage
🥧 Magic Games Premium HD™ Cat C Upgrade
🎮 B3 Premium Plus: 66 Ways to Play

Full product previews, show details and insights now live on The Amusement Network 👉

NOVOMATIC Gaming UK (NGUK) is gearing up for an exciting return to the exhibition floor, this time at The London Casino & Gaming Show, from 13–15 January in London as well as at ICE Barcelona, from 19-21 January.

05/12/2025

Funeral arrangements details for Colin Mallery, a well-known and much-loved figure in the industry:

🕒 Monday 15th December, 1pm — Thanet Crematorium
🏨 Wake at the Botany Bay Hotel (discounted rooms available)

Anyone planning to attend the funeral or wake is asked to email Lisa Mallery at [email protected] so numbers can be confirmed. If you wish to follow the funeral procession, please also get in touch and full details will be shared.

The family have requested flowers from family only. Donations in Colin’s memory can be made to Parkinson’s research via the funeral directors:

The funeral of Colin Mallery, a well-known and much-loved figure in the industry, will take place on: Monday 15th December at 1pm Thanet Crematorium