It’s been a hectic opening quarter to 2026 for The Rudd Group with its pioneering Target Darts Zone hitting the bullseye and the recent integration of the Inspired machine installations working its way seamlessly into the operation. Needless to say, both initiatives have proved a success, already making their mark on revenues at sites around the country. Whilst there will be stardust sprinkled all over the Rudd Group stand at ARE next week, that’s certainly not the case, says MD Nick Rudd, when it comes to the Gambling Act Review. “Operators need a framework that allows them to invest, innovate and keep venues competitive,” he tells Coinslot – and that’s exactly the opposite of the framework currently being proposed.
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?
Nick Rudd: ARE Expo couldn’t come at a better time for the industry. It’s been a tough start to the year, so for me it’s really about getting face-to-face with operators and having some honest, practical conversations about what’s actually working in venues right now.
A lot of the discussion will naturally focus on profitability and how pubs can keep people coming through the door despite the pressures. Everyone’s looking for ways to increase dwell time and spend, without making things more complicated behind the bar.
That’s exactly where something like our Target Darts Zone fits in. It’s a straightforward, social experience that gets people engaged and staying longer and ultimately spending more.
Just as important, though, is the support behind it. When times are tougher, you need suppliers you can rely on. That’s something we take seriously, making sure we’re there when our customers need us.
Coinslot: In terms of product, what innovations and new launches will visitors be seeing on your stand next week?
Nick Rudd: Visitors to our stand at will be able to get properly hands-on with the Target Darts Zone, which is always where it really comes into its own. It’s one thing talking about it, but when you see first-hand how easy it is for customers to use and how hands-off it is for staff, that’s why it really works.
Now that our national monthly tournament is up and running, the team will also be walking customers through the added benefits that come with installing a Target Darts Zone. It’s not just a dartboard – it’s an ongoing, connected experience that keeps players coming back, drives repeat visits, and builds a real sense of competition and community within venues.
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?
Nick Rudd: It’s been a really positive start to the year for us, particularly around the continued growth of the Target Darts Zone.
One of the standout highlights has been the success of the UK’s largest pub-vs-pub national monthly tournament. It’s added a completely new layer to the product, giving players a reason to come back regularly and venues a way to build a loyal, competitive customer base.
Alongside that, our Virtual “Beat the Pro” nights have been a great addition. Each month, one venue gets the chance to take on a professional from the Target stable, which has created real excitement and a point of difference for operators.
More broadly across Bob Rudd, we’ve been really pleased with how the integration of the ex-Inspired business has settled in. It’s given us a stronger platform to build from, and importantly, it’s allowed us to make even better use of data and business intelligence.
That’s been key to driving growth so far this year – working closely with customers to refine machine mixes on a venue-by-venue basis. It reinforces what we’ve always believed: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and getting the right, varied model mix in place is still crucial to achieving the best possible house weekly average.
Overall, it’s been about combining innovation like Target Darts Zone with smart, data-led decisions across the wider estate – and that’s what’s helping us deliver real results for 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?
Nick Rudd: I think the industry’s frustration is understandable. There’s been a lot of discussion around potential changes, but from a land-based perspective the pace has felt inconsistent, and that uncertainty makes it difficult for businesses to plan with confidence.
For us, it’s about getting the balance right. We all support sensible regulation and player protection, but it also has to reflect the realities of running venues in a tough economic climate. Operators need a framework that allows them to invest, innovate and keep venues competitive.
I’ve said before that two key areas we’d really like to see progress on are stakes and prizes, and cashless payments.
They’re both areas where land-based gaming is falling behind, and if they’re not addressed, it becomes increasingly difficult to compete with other forms of entertainment.
Inspired move
Nick Rudd said……. “We’ve been really pleased with how the integration of the ex-Inspired business has settled in. It’s given us a stronger platform to build from, and importantly, it’s allowed us to make even better use of data and business intelligence……
