The Amusement Network

08/08/2025

Bacta's Wales Charity Ball 2005... there is more!
📸 https://www.amusementnetwork.co.uk/gallery/96/bacta-wales-ball-2005-part-three

08/08/2025

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Each week, The Amusement Network rounds up everything happening across the , , and sectors – from business moves and product launches to interviews and insights.

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The Amusement Network is a network for professionals working on the coin-op amusement machine industry.

08/08/2025

🌊 £20M Revival for Weston’s Iconic Birnbeck Pier

Weston-super-Mare is making waves with a £20 million project that will breathe new life into the derelict Birnbeck Pier – the UK’s only pier connecting to an island.

Closed since 1994, the site is now undergoing urgent restoration, with structural works already underway and landside buildings set for completion by spring 2026.

This is part of a broader vision to reposition Weston as a vibrant seaside destination, including:
• A new waterpark (opening this summer)
• A reimagined Tropicana venue (8,000 capacity)
• Upgrades to Grove Park and Marine Lake
• Cultural energy inspired by Shoreditch & Islington

Birnbeck Pier is on track to become a landmark of renewal and creativity 👇

Weston‑super‑Mare is embarking on a dramatic seaside revival with a £20 million regeneration plan centered on the long-abandoned Birnbeck Pier—the UK’s only pier connecting the mainland to an island.

08/08/2025

🏆 Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Our Industry

This January’s EAG International Expo will shine a well-deserved spotlight on the individuals and businesses who make a real difference – not just commercially, but in their communities.

The Bacta Chairman’s Awards return to honour:
• Charity champions
• Long-standing local operators
• Acts of heroism
• Team members who’ve gone above and beyond

Awards will be presented live at EAG (13–15 Jan, ExCeL London), and nominations are now open. As Nick Harding puts it: “This is where the industry celebrates the great and the good of this wonderful sector.”

📧 Submit via: [email protected] 👇

As the next Entertainment Attractions & Gaming (EAG) Expo approaches, industry professionals are being invited to gather and recognise standout achievements across the sector. At the heart of the event will be the prestigious BACTA Annual Awards, a chance

08/08/2025

It’s been a week of turmoil and triumph in the UK sector.

A controversial article entitled 'Money Laundering in Plain Sight: How OKTO-Enabled Fruit Machines Create a Shadow Banking Network' by We Fight Fraud has drawn sharp criticism for misrepresenting digital payments in .

OKTO fired back with a point-by-point rebuttal, while Simon Barff (CLMS) called the piece “factually incorrect and extremely damaging.”

In a week where public trust and accountability dominate the agenda – what separates the good from the great is how you respond not just to threats, but to opportunities. 👇

A controversial report published by the organisation We Fight Fraud (WFF) has sparked widespread anger in the UK gaming sector after making unsubstantiated claims that OKTO-enabled fruit machines could be used for money laundering.

31/07/2025

As ACOS prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in London this October, we caught up with Karen Cooke, organiser of the show, to reflect on a decade of industry connection and to look ahead at what’s coming next.

31/07/2025

Bacta Wales Charity Ball 2005... part two! Oh, what a night! 😋

📸 https://www.amusementnetwork.co.uk/gallery/95/bacta-wales-ball-2005-part-two

31/07/2025

🎯 Spotted: Chris Hemsworth at Funland Arcade, London!

's own Thor, aka Chris Hemsworth, made a surprise visit to Funland Arcade at the Brunswick Centre this week – proving even superheroes love a good game of Roll-a-Ball.

Hemsworth, in town with his kids, dropped by to enjoy top attractions like Hot Soccer, pinball from Stern, and some well-earned family fun.

A superhero on screen – and a super cool dad in real life.

📸 Photo credit: John Stergides

31/07/2025

📦 E-Service Expands in the North

Following growing demand, E-Service has expanded into a larger facility in Castleford, doubling its storage capacity and upgrading operations to better serve the UK and Ireland.

“Castleford has always been key to our service in the North… This was the perfect opportunity to expand,” says Managing Director Mike Clokie. “It’s about being a trusted partner, not just a supplier.”

The new site features:
✅ Increased stock of consumables, smart tech & parts
✅ New technical support office & faster dispatch
✅ Dedicated meeting space for customer collaboration

“It’s about being a trusted partner, not just a supplier.” Congrats to the team on a successful launch event and continued investment in operator support 👇

Following the recent expansion of E-Service (Europe) Ltd’s into a larger Northern hub in Castleford, we caught up with Managing Director Mike Clokie to learn more about what the move means for customers, how the business is adapting to meet growing deman

31/07/2025

🗣️ Clear Communication Matters – Especially Now

This week, The Guardian described our industry’s outreach as a “charm offensive", more than once. Frankly, I find that offensive.
In a sector where even charitable efforts are met with cynicism, honest, open communication has never been more vital.

That’s why it was refreshing to speak with Allaster Gair, Bacta’s new Director of Communications, who brings real clarity and purpose to the role. One quote stood out:

“Our sector is rooted in real places, run by real people, and subject to close oversight... We can demonstrate, with confidence, that we offer something different... we’re part of the solution, not part of the problem.”

A powerful reminder that visibility, identity, and truth are our best tools for change.

www.amusementnetwork.co.uk

28/07/2025

This week from Norman Leftly's archive, we go back to the Bacta Wales Charity Ball in 2005...

📸 https://www.amusementnetwork.co.uk/gallery/94/bacta-wales-ball-2005-part-one

28/07/2025

📣 Save the Date: The ARE Expo returns on 28 & 29 April 2026...

Following a successful debut, the is back in Manchester next April – uniting the , gaming, retail, and leisure sectors for two days of innovation, networking, and industry insight.

“ARE Expo is fast becoming a key date in the industry calendar,” says Karen Cooke, event organiser. “We’re proud to once again be working with The Gambling Business Group and The Amusement Network to deliver a standout event.”

Expect an expanded exhibitor lineup, product showcases, and a powerful seminar programme tackling what’s next for the sector. 👉

The Amusement and Retail Entertainment Expo (ARE Expo) will return to Manchester on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April 2026 – and the industry is invited to save the date for what promises to be another unmissable event.