More UK operators go cashless
Intercard’s CEO, Scott Sherrod, and Electrocoin’s president, Gabino Stergides, tell InterGame that cashless systems reduce labour costs and maintenance, and boost customer spending.
The popularity of cash transactions is in decline around the world. That is no different in the UK. Intercard introduced its first debit card system to the amusement industry over 30 years ago. Since then, it has gone to introduce a range of important features to its product lineup such as play cards, cloud backup, ecommerce, mobile access and credit card compatibility.
Its products are installed around the world, including the UK – a country that Intercard’s CEO, Scott Sherrod, believes has increasingly adopted cashless technology. “The UK is an important market for us as there are still many operators that have yet to switch to cashless systems. Some of these are older arcades in which traditional coin pushers are still big money makers. These nostalgia pieces cost a few pennies to play, and many pay out in cash, so operators may not see the need to convert them,” he said.
Arcades, especially those with more modern redemption and video games, are moving towards cashless systems. Operators across the UK, especially those with newer FECs, are opting for fully cashless venues from day one. Lane7, the boutique bowling brand that operates its entertainment and bar venues across the UK, is one of many businesses that has chosen to install Intercard’s selection of cashless systems.
“The use of cashless systems in amusement centres continues to grow,” said Gabino Stergides, President of Electrocoin, Intercard’s UK distributor. “We are seeing the use of credit card readers on individual machines as well as existing customers converting their operations to cashless systems.” Stergides added: “Intercard’s Impulse Tap reader is doing very well in the UK market.”
The reader, that makes payments easier for the entertainment centre’s customers, is ideal for capturing the business of impulse players who just want a few quick games without having to buy a game card, in Sherrod’s opinion.
“With cashless technology, there’s no cash to collect, count and take to the bank,” Sherrod stated. “There’s also no need to make change or clear games jammed by coins or tokens. Customers can buy or recharge game cards at a kiosk without a trip to the front desk. This alone means big savings in labour so you can accomplish more with your existing staff.”
“FECs and bowling centres were the first to notice cashless, followed by larger arcades. Route operators are now increasingly turning to cashless to save time on servicing their locations. In terms of reducing costs for labour, maintenance and boosting customer spending, it’s a game changer”.
Operators also benefit from what Sherrod called the “plastic paradox”. He explained that customers tend to play and spend more because a game card or credit card doesn’t feel like spending real money. Additionally, venues can use kiosks and card readers to upsell guests and promote specials like happy hour pricing. Cashless systems also simplify the collection of redemption points, encouraging customers to save up and redeem points over multiple visits
“My development team and I spend a lot of time analysing the latest developments, what the benefits are and how to best use them in an FEC,” Sherrod noted. “I think QR technology is a good example of that. The use of QR codes for payment is growing across the world. To leverage this development, we created our IAAPA award-winning iQ system of readers and kiosks that allow customers to activate games with a QR code that’s presented on a mobile device, wristband, or paper receipt.”
“FECs also benefit from the ability of cashless systems to collect an enormous amount of data, allowing deeper analysis of customer trends and operations. Data mining, system security, inventory control, merchandising and marketing, price management, ongoing training, support and system updates are all an integral part of maximising an FEC operation. You can’t do that as easily or effectively if your games are still operating with cash or tokens.”
Sherrod added: “Today’s smart operators must provide multiple cashless technology options that allow guests to pay and play the way they want. From mobile devices to wearables to QR codes, operators must make it easy for guests, including the ones that still prefer cash. It’s the rapid pace of technological change, rather than a specific technology, which continues to disrupt the amusement industry in the UK and around the world.”
‘We just have to get on with it’
Even with the changes after the UK’s budget, Electrocoin’s sales and marketing manager, John A. Stergides says it’s not all doom and gloom.
Redemption games, pinball tables, skill games and prize games are just a selection of the products that UK-based manufacturer and distributor Electrocoin supplies its customers with, both domestically and further afield.
The company, that has operated out of its North London headquarters for over 35 years, where it has co-hosted the Park Avenue Open Day, has its finger on the pulse of the UK amusement market. “We have been hearing some mixed reports about the market,” explained John A Stergides, the company’s sales and marketing manager. “Some operators have felt like they’ve had a good season, others have found it tougher. The extra costs that have been passed on by the government, such as national insurance hikes and minimum wage rises, have made it harder. Overall, I think there have been some positive reports considering the gloomy outlook that was expected.”
Despite the challenges being faced by the UK’s leisure sector, whether that be the traditional seaside arcade or a brand new city centre FEC, the company’s new games, like Mr Do Football Frenzy and Big Wheel that debuted earlier this year at EAG, have been well received by operators.
“We’ve gradually introduced these games into the market over the course of the year, and due to the demand from operators, it’s clear to us that they are popular with operators and players alike,” Stergides explained. “Operators and players are always looking for something different, even if the concept has been done before. As long as games remain simple to understand, entertaining and reward the player, something we strive to do, they will be popular with players.”
Games and activities that involve aspects of competitive socialising have also proven to be popular with UK consumers, Stergides noted. “Inner cities have had to reimagine what the high street looks like since the ascent of online shopping. Enticing customers with a specific shop doesn’t work anymore, they want something more. Where there was once a large department store, there is a multi−functional facility complete with restaurants and entertainment venues, like an arcade or a bowling alley. It’s all about giving people the chance to take part in activities that they can’t do at home and creating a social atmosphere that people want to be a part of.”
“Dance machines, like the Dance Dance Revolution A20 Plus, are popular in this regard because people want to go out and have fun. It provides players with a bit of exercise while they listen to songs by well− known artists, such as Ariana Grande and David Guetta. There has been an increase in demand for these games, and we have already begun taking orders for the next production.”
Intergame October 2025 – Vol 31, Issue 10 – Pages 32,33
More UK operators go cashless
