ACOS 2025 edition has concluded with strong momentum, marking a landmark year in the show’s evolution. Held at the ILEC Conference Centre in London, ACOS not only celebrated its 10-year anniversary but also delivered unmatched networking opportunities.

A Full House and Industry Celebration

With the support of bacta and other key industry stakeholders, ACOS was billed early on as a celebration of the sector. This year’s event lived up to that promise, offering an informal yet high-quality environment for suppliers, operators and service providers to reconnect, explore trends and forge deals. The mood throughout the two days was positive, with a clear focus on innovation, business development and networking. The only fly in the ointment is the impending Budget and the threat of an increase in MGD, which understandably made buyers a little cautious.

With backing from key industry bodies such as bacta, ACOS 2025 succeeded in combining informal networking with serious business. Operators and suppliers gathered in a relaxed but focused setting, generating meaningful discussions, demonstrating new product ideas, and forging future collaborations. The show’s timing — immediately after the main trading season — provided the ideal opportunity for eyes to turn to 2026 strategy.

Product Launches and Exhibit Highlights

Here are some of the standout product stories from the show:

• Electrocoin unveiled the flagship Big Wheel skill-prize machine, designed for high visibility and prize engagement, along with its full redemption and vending hardware line.
• 7’s Above presented the Reflex Gaming B3 Flaming 500 in the Cyclone cabinet and highlighted the Chrome Community title from Reflex, emphasising refurbishment and refreshed content as a key growth lever.
• FatCat Softworks introduced the Panther Cabinet, offering a premium video AWP format in both Cat C and B4/C hybrid forms with no content fees, operator control and strong value.
• Whitehouse Leisure displayed an updated range of plush toys and gift merchandise, catering to redemption and family entertainment venues with fresh visual appeal.
• Blueprint Operations revealed new content and a pub-focused strategy, delivering fresh ideas for traditional venues and a “big reveal” that underlined its commitment to entertainment diversification in pubs and social venues.
• Reflex Gaming returned with the B3 Phoenix Menu and a major connected-tech milestone, showcasing how interactivity and online connectivity are extending into the amusement floor.
• Novomatic Gaming UK sponsored ACOS’s 10th-anniversary party and used the show to reinforce its leadership role in the UK market, strengthening its operator relationships with product previews and social events.

Emerging Themes & Operator Insights

Several clear themes emerged from ACOS 2025:

• Hybrid Formats & Multi-Channel Flexibility: Cabinets and solutions that support Cat C/B4 hybrids, mixed payments, and refurbishment strategies resonated strongly.
• Experience-Led Engagement: Enhanced lighting, visual appeal, UI/UX upgrades and prize presentation emerged as differentiators rather than just machine specs.
• Payments & Compliance: Player-protection tech, cashless integration, and management systems showed that operators are thinking beyond the machine and into the operational ecosystem.
• Refurbish/Refresh Strategy: Economic pressures are driving more interest in refurb and upgrade paths rather than full replacement, a message emphasised by several exhibitors.
• Networking and Relationship Value: The first-night social, central London location, and two-day format reinforced that ACOS remains a trusted forum for real connections — not just product browsing.

Final Word

ACOS 2025 did more than celebrate a decade of the show — it demonstrated how the UK amusement and gaming industry continues to adapt and innovate. With full exhibition space, strong launches, and engaged operator attendance, this edition underscored that even in changing market conditions, momentum and opportunity remain.

As we look ahead, the real work begins: converting the ideas and contacts made at ACOS into installs, site upgrades, and strategic partnerships for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.

(ACOS 2025 Edition)

Amusement Network Newsletter – 23^rd Oct 2025