Ahead of next week’s ARE expo, managing director Quentin Stott emphasised Reflex Gaming’s commitment to innovation, highlighting products such as Cyclone and Community Chrome, while advocating for collaborative regulation to support sustained growth and consumer protection, And he has put his head way above the parapet: Stott warned that the Gambling Commission has “potentially overreached” in its efforts so far.
Coinslot: Given the economic pressures and regulatory challenges we’ve seen at the start of the year, what makes ARE particularly valuable for your business as the industry prepares for the upcoming season?
Quentin Stott: We’re looking forward to connecting with new customers and re-engaging with existing ones – particularly those who may not have been able to attend EAG or ACOS due to distance or scheduling.
Our business development director, Mark Purdy, is looking forward to joining the panel discussion, “Data-Driven Insights: Where to Invest for New Revenue Streams.” He’ll be sharing our latest tech developments and offering a glimpse at what’s next in our innovation pipeline. Don’t miss this on the 29th April at 2:30pm.
Coinslot: Can you highlight what new products or technological advancements attendees will be able to explore at your booth next week?
Quentin Stott: We’ll be showcasing a wide range from our portfolio, with a spotlight on our ability to deliver both digital and analogue cabinets and games. Leveraging the legacy of Fortune 500, we’re excited to highlight our dual-format development strengths – offering visitors a look at both new innovations and proven performers across B3 and Cat C categories.
Coinslot: As we move deeper into 2025, what business developments or new products stand out as major successes for your company?
Quentin Stott: It’s certainly been a challenging start, with ongoing regulatory uncertainty slowing sector-wide investment and momentum. Despite that, Cyclone has firmly established itself as a reliable, high-performing cabinet across all sectors. Game performance has been strong too, driven by standout features such as Community, Max Play, and Gamble+, as well as key themes that are clearly resonating with players. Our Community Chrome factory rebuild has seen immediate success – offering operators a smart way to bring fresh games to familiar hardware. It’s proven to be a compelling entry point for trial, while also building confidence in our premium products, Game Pro Max and Cyclone.
Coinslot: Considering current market conditions and the uncertainties around the Gambling Review, what are your thoughts on proposed legislative changes, and how can the industry achieve sustained growth going forward?
Quentin Stott: Whilst we acknowledge the importance of establishing a regulated and safe environment for our players and advocate for a balanced approach that facilitates rather than hinders growth, we have concerns that the Gambling Commission has potentially overreached in their efforts to regulate the sector and have misjudged the huge cost burden it would impose on the industry, whilst not being clear about how the proposed GMTS changes would actually address any problem gambling concerns. This could lead to significant setbacks with proposed changes, stifling innovation within the industry, and saddling the sector with massive costs.
If implemented without careful consideration, the industry would also face a massive operational burden. For instance, Reflex would need substantial resources to retrospectively develop for legacy games, a task that is not only time-consuming but also costly. This could divert vital resources away from maintaining existing products and contracts, stifling the development of new products and ultimately diverting us away from progress and competitiveness in the sector.
To achieve the growth we seek moving forward, it is essential that any regulatory changes strike a balance between safeguarding consumers and fostering a conducive environment for business innovation.
A collaborative approach with government and stakeholders, to ensure policies are well-informed and do not inadvertently create barriers to growth, is essential for the future of the industry.