With many of the conversations at ARE focused on compliance, modernisation and methods to future-proof operations, E-Service was ideally placed to offer practical solutions. Speaking to Coinslot, MD Mike Clokie explained how the company’s contactless-enabled change machines, payment solutions and TITO systems “truly resonated” with visitors.

Coinslot: A new show, new location, new style venue, new timings. How would you rate ARE’s debut and what were the highlights?

Mike Clokie: ARE Expo made a strong and confident debut in Manchester. The new venue gave the event a fresh and professional feel, and it was great to see so many familiar faces supporting the industry in a new setting. 

One of the key highlights was the quality of conversation – we had meaningful, business-focused discussions throughout both days. 

The show also provided a valuable platform for showcasing innovation and gave suppliers, including ourselves, an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how our technology supports the changing needs of the gaming and amusements sectors.

Coinslot: There was a very positive vibe around the new show, does it have the potential for good footfall and business opportunities in the coming years?

Mike Clokie: Absolutely. The positive energy around the show was clear, and it’s a solid foundation to build on.

ARE Expo has shown it can attract the right mix of operators, manufacturers, and decision-makers. With continued support from the industry and strategic development of its format, we believe the show has strong potential to deliver increasing footfall and solid business opportunities in the years to come – particularly in reaching northern-based venues and stakeholders.

Coinslot: You gave strong backing to ARE particularly with the quality of product you took to Manchester. Talk us through some of the crowd-pulling innovations in your portfolio?

Mike Clokie: We brought a comprehensive range of technology to Manchester that truly resonated with visitors. 

Our contactless-enabled change machines and payment solutions from Nayax and Payter drew a lot of attention, particularly as operators look for secure, future-ready options to meet the demands of a cashless environment. 

We also showcased our age verification systems, which are becoming increasingly essential in ensuring compliance and customer safety, and our pool equipment range including Hainsworth cloth – a reminder that quality matters across all touchpoints in a venue.

Among the standout innovations was the Cashio Silver Terminal, a casino-grade solution specifically designed for high street AGC TITO venues. Fully integrated and compliant with the GBG Protocol, the terminal attracted huge interest across both days of the show. 

We were proud to present this powerful, elegant unit as part of our portfolio – a robust and highly secure system built to meet the practical demands of modern TITO operations.

The response from visitors was extremely positive, reaffirming the importance of offering high-quality, compliant solutions that can enhance operational efficiency on the high street.

Coinslot: Were there any notable wins from the two days – new agreements, installations, partnerships?

Mike Clokie: Yes, there were some excellent outcomes. We had strong interest across our range, especially in our payment and change machine solutions. 

Several productive conversations are now progressing into confirmed partnerships and upcoming installations. The opportunity to talk face-to-face with both long-term clients and new prospects in a more focused, regional setting proved highly beneficial.

Coinslot: The staging of ARE was particularly timely given the latest declarations made by the Gambling Minister on the 80/20 rule and her less than favourable tones on AGCs. From your conversations over the two days, what is the mood around the industry?

Mike Clokie: There’s certainly concern in the industry around the tone and direction of recent statements from the Gambling Minister, particularly regarding the 80/20 rule and the positioning of AGCs. However, what stood out at ARE was the sector’s resilience and readiness to adapt. 

Many conversations focused on practical steps operators can take to modernise, demonstrate responsibility, and future-proof their businesses – something our product range is directly aligned with. 

There’s a shared commitment to finding ways forward, and that spirit of collaboration was very much present across the two days.