Boomerang Digital will be at ARE Manchester with a one stop shop of products brimming with innovation. The Boomerang stand will feature a portfolio of solutions including machine data management, TITO and PayStation technology, mobile engagement, and membership platforms, promotional and rewards systems, tablet gaming, bingo, and entertainment, in addition to industry-leading facial recognition and self-exclusion technology.
Coinslot: It’s been a tough start to the year both economically and on the regulatory front. What are you hoping to get from the two days in Manchester and what will the main topics of debate be about?
Andrew Ludlow: We are going to what is our second domestic show of 2026 as we always approach industry events – in a very positive, upbeat mood buoyed by what is a ‘one-stop shop’ of solutions all of which are performing extremely well in the field with a customer-base which is growing across all sectors.
I went on the record to say that EAG 2026 was the best ever trade show that we’d attended and four months later I stand by that assessment. I’m delighted to confirm that we’ve harnessed that momentum and taking it into ARE Manchester.
Some companies see trade shows as an obligation, but the Boomerang team absolutely love the opportunity to show what we are all about and showcase the Boomerang portfolio of solutions.
A key topic – and focus – will be to demonstrate the benefits of product integration across the ecosystem we have and outline how our innovation pathway is designed to keep end-users fully engaged with a brand.
Coinslot: In terms of product, what innovations and new launches will visitors be seeing on your stand next week?
Andrew Ludlow: We support operators with a wide range of solutions including machine data management, TITO and PayStation technology, mobile engagement, and membership platforms, promotional and rewards systems, tablet gaming, bingo, and entertainment, in addition to our industry-leading facial recognition and self-exclusion technology.
Ours is a joined-up proposition, which has been designed to give operators more control, enhanced insight, and more ways to engage and connect with customers across their venues. It’s really valuable for operators to see first-hand the live demos and experience what product integration looks like. Stand visitors will see how to simplify operations, improve the player experience, and maximise the potential of Boomerang’s sector leading tech.
ARE is a fantastic opportunity to experience what Boomerang digital is all about and how we are partnering with gaming and entertainment operators to provide consumers with what we believe to be a best-in-class experience.
Coinslot: We’re now into the second quarter of 2026, what have been the highlights of the year so far?
Andrew Ludlow: As a software – tech company it should come as no surprise to hear that many of our highlight’s centre around product developments which deliver enhanced solutions for operators.
As an example, the developments in our facial recognition solution linked to the Smart Hub self-exclusion database is a significant development in safer gambling tools which sits at the heart of the debate surrounding the proposed reforms recommended in the White Paper and which are still to be enacted. The unanimously positive response to the Jigsaw training programme with Holiday Park entertainment teams was another highlight which served as a major endorsement of our on-going commitment to customers.
The endgame is about building on existing relationships and of course also winning new business: I’m delighted that Q1 has seen Boomerang achieve those core objectives with a combination of investment, innovation and a steadfast ‘whatever it takes’ style commitment to our customers.
Coinslot: Looking at the market forces and the somewhat erratic signs regarding movement on the Gambling Review, how do you feel about the proposed changes in legislation and what the industry needs to realise the growth we need moving forward?
Andrew Ludlow: I’ve said it on many occasions, two of the key dynamics of the industry are technology and regulation.
The industry is one of the fastest adopters of technology as Boomerang’s track-record of continuous innovation demonstrates. The technology we provide as an industry has and should continue to provide appropriate tools in the provision of Safer Gambling, in doing so I cannot see – or understand why we would not be given the opportunity to develop, with some certainty, the products and services we deliver.
Of course, the decision to freeze MGD in November’s budget was a big plus as was the abolition of Bingo duty. However, we still have a set of White Paper recommendations which it would appear have been kicked into the long grass as well as a lobby of backbench Labour MPs who are not well disposed to our industry.
In a tightly regulated sector where gaming operators cannot pass increased costs on to consumers, government intervention is essential to ensure that businesses remain viable. In several categories, stake and prize limits have remained at the same level since 2014 and the need for action is now and most pressing.
Without regular increases to the permitted maximums, the capacity to support jobs and deliver economic benefits to UK plc is significantly weakened and the industry is diminished.
Facing up to the challenges
Andrew Ludlow said……. “The developments in our facial recognition solution linked to the Smart Hub self-exclusion database is a significant development in safer gambling tools which sits at the heart of the debate surrounding the proposed reforms recommended in the White Paper and which are still to be enacted……
