With ARE 2026 representing “a vital opportunity” for Novomatic Gaming UK to reconnect with customers and build momentum, the company will be showcasing the full breadth and strength of its portfolio. Speaking ahead of the show, director of sales Kevin Temple guided Coinslot through the extensive collection of products expected to turn heads during the expo.
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 be the main topics of debate?
Kevin Temple: Despite the challenging economic and regulatory backdrop, ARE Expo remains a vital opportunity for us to reconnect with the industry, assess shifting customer needs and build momentum for the rest of the year.
From a sales perspective, we’re focused on generating new leads and driving confidence across our customer base. Last year’s show delivered very positive outcomes in that regard, and we’re keen to build on that success.
ARE also allows us to highlight the breadth and strength of our product portfolio. We’ll be displaying an extensive cabinet portfolio, designed to meet the needs of all sizes of arcade and bingo hall venues.
Alongside this, we’re looking forward to showcasing the strength of our B3 and Cat C Magic Games Premium HD and B3 NovoLine game compendiums, as well as our wide range of signage solutions that further enhance our overall offering.
Coinslot: In terms of product, what innovations and new launches will visitors be seeing on your stand next week?
Kevin Temple: Our premium cabinet portfolio will once again take centre stage, with the ever-popular Diamond X 3.32, as well as the powerful and versatile Black Edition II 3.27 and Black Edition II XL 3.32.
Across the stand, each cabinet will be shown in three configurations to showcase the B3 and Cat C Magic Games Premium HD and B3 NovoLine content portfolios, giving visitors a clear view of how each game library performs across the range.
A major addition for 2026 is the launch of NOVO Cash X10, our latest cash management solution. Building on the success of previous models, the NOVO Cash X10 represents the next step forward in efficient, secure and user-friendly cash handling.
As an exciting treat for visitors, our cabinets will be previewing our upcoming May B3 NovoLine game release, Athena Goddess of War. This release follows our long-standing approach of successfully bringing proven online titles into the land-based environment.
As a strong Greentube title, Athena Goddess of War offers strategic gameplay, powerful features and immersive theming, and we expect it to be another standout release for 2026. Visitors to the stand will be among the first to experience the title in action and see how it performs first-hand!
Coinslot: We’re now into the second quarter of 2026, what have been the highlights of the year so far in terms of business development and product launches?
Kevin Temple: 2026 has started strongly for Novomatic Gaming UK, with solid performance across both software and hardware. Earlier in the year, we launched three key B3 NovoLine titles, Asian Flower Plus, Piggy Prizes Wish of Riches, and Belldorado, all of which have delivered remarkable results. Asian Flower Plus has emerged as a standout title, securing a place in the Novomatic Gaming UK B3 NovoLine Top Ten, with Piggy Prizes Wish of Riches and Belldorado also delivering strong rankings and clear player appeal.
Complementing the strong performance, we’re seeing across B3 NovoLine, the Magic Games Premium HD compendium continues to play an important role in our overall offering. Since the launch of the MGHD Cat C 35-game pack late last year, we’ve seen strong player recognition and engagement, particularly among venues with more traditional player bases.
A standout feature within the pack is Pie Gamble, which has proved highly popular with players, tapping into the nostalgia and familiarity that the Magic Games brand is known for. Alongside this, our ‘Reel Tales’ social media campaign reimagined the stories behind these well-loved titles, celebrating the heritage of the games while giving them a fresh narrative.
Hardware continues to be another major success story for us. Installations of Diamond X 3.32 and Diamond X 1.55 J-Curve cabinets across the UK, combined with our new impactful LED signage, have made a big impression on gaming floors. The continued success of our larger cabinet formats, enhanced by features such as the exquisite Mamba chair and enhanced audio features, has also helped operators create a real sense of theatre within their venues.
Coinslot: Looking at the market forces and the 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?
Kevin Temple: Proposed regulatory changes naturally creates uncertainty across the industry, but they also present an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and adaptability.
The proposals outlined in the last White Paper are a crucial step in giving the industry the clarity and confidence it needs to move forward, particularly from a manufacturing perspective. We hope that any new measures are balanced and proportionate, to not stifle the creativity and innovation that venues and players alike benefit from.
We welcome a review of stakes and prizes, especially for Category C, which has seen no stake increase for 16 years and no prize increase for 12 years.
The industry has evolved and to remain competitive and relevant, Cat C needs the flexibility to progress in line with those expectations. Carefully considered updates in this area would enable innovation to flourish, support a well-regulated sector, and significantly enhance the experience for players.
The Novomatic Gaming UK team is looking forward to returning to Manchester for theARE Expo. With a strong product line-up and plenty to discuss, we invite visitors to stop by the stand to meet the team, see the products in action and, of course, enjoy the now-famous doughnuts we’ll have to share around!
Stakes and prize rise is essential
Kevin Temple said… “We welcome a review of stakes and prizes, especially for Category C, which has seen no stake increase for 16 years and no prize increase for 12 years. The industry has evolved and to remain competitive and relevant, Cat C needs the flexibility to progress in line with those expectations…
