Bob Rudd has highlighted the important role data plays in a modern amusement and entertainment venue, with the firm’s own Business Intelligence team delivering advanced analysis of machine performance that reveals the significant impact interactive products such as the Target Darts Zone can have on revenue and footfall.
Following a major investment in its in-house Business Intelligence team, Bob Rudd has developed the capability to track performance across its entire estate in real time, turning day-to-day activity into actionable commercial insight.
As well as machine performance, the BI platform is able to measure elements such as VTP trends and player demographics, allowing businesses to identify patterns, validate performance, and make informed decisions with confidence.
“Within this framework, Target Darts Zone is proving to be a powerful addition to the modern pub environment,” said Marketing Director Helena Rudd.
“While the product is designed to drive engagement through interactive, competitive socialising, its influence extends well beyond the oche. Live data from across the estate shows that venues with a strong darts offering currently have a 38 percent higher average net balance on their gaming machines compared to those without.”
“Crucially, this is not a static or retrospective figure. It is drawn from a live dashboard, continuously updated with performance data from the entire estate – giving operators a reliable, real-time view of how entertainment is influencing revenue.”
The result of BI’s analysis is a shift away from what the group refers to as “assumption-led operations,” towards a more strategic model, where product placement, machine mix, and investment decisions are guided by evidence rather than intuition.
“For operators, this kind of visibility is invaluable. Understanding not just what is performing, but why, allows for smarter, lower-risk decisions, particularly at a time when margins are under pressure and every investment must deliver.”
“It also highlights a broader shift within the industry. As technology continues to evolve, the operators who succeed will be those who can combine standout entertainment with intelligent, data-led strategy.”
“In a market where every percentage point matters, going ‘beyond the board’ is no longer optional, it’s essential.”
Bob Rudd will be showcasing the latest developments in Target Darts Zone at the ARE Expo on 28 and 29 April.
Oche drives machine play
Helena Rudd said… “Live data from across the estate shows that venues with a strong darts offering currently have a 38 percent higher average net balance on their gaming machines compared to those without…
