After auditing and evaluating thousands of contactless payment systems installed on non-gaming machines across the UK, data specialist CLMS has warned operators that “not all contactless solutions deliver the same results,” with figures revealing “significant variation” in performance, reliability and revenue uplift.
CLMS has advised operators to investigate the performance of contactless payment systems on their non-gaming machines, after the analysis of thousands of processes across the UK revealed “significant variation” in performance, reliability and revenue uplift.
The data-processing and machine management services provider identified several key areas in which contactless systems on machines such as pool tables can underperform, including power management, connectivity and service levels.
“Differences in outcomes are driven by several factors, including connectivity stability across mobile and Wi-Fi networks, service levels from payment providers and merchants, and the frequency of rejected transactions from card issuers,” said MD Simon Barff.
“These variables can have a direct and measurable impact on how often players choose contactless over cash – and how reliable the customer experience is at the point of play.”
Though Barff noted that pool tables remain one of the most challenging products when it comes to delivering stable contactless payment provision, they also generate some of the strongest revenue uplifts when systems work well.
Data shows that adding contactless to pool tables typically delivers a minimum revenue uplift of 30 percent, with contactless accounting for an average of 48 percent of total takings versus cash. However, performance varies by supplier.
“CLMS has recorded contactless usage rates ranging from as low as 30 percent to as high as 65 percent, depending on the solution deployed. This variance highlights how critical system design, power management and reliability are to long-term success.”
“Solutions that rely on venue staff to regularly plug in charging cables – or remove batteries for external charging – frequently encounter problems. Missed charging cycles can lead to system downtime, frustrated players and lost revenue. By contrast, systems with lower power drain and more efficient energy management consistently deliver better returns.”
Though Barff said CLMS does not disclose confidential supplier-level data, the business continues to work closely with operators “to help them understand which systems are delivering the most reliable performance and strongest returns.”
“As contactless continues to reshape player behaviour on pool tables and other non-gaming equipment, the message from the data is clear: the right solution can significantly increase revenue – but the wrong one can quickly undermine both income and customer experience.”
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Simon Barff said… “As contactless continues to reshape player behaviour on pool tables and other non-gaming equipment, the message from the data is clear: the right solution can significantly increase revenue – but the wrong one can quickly undermine both income and customer experience…
