Innovation for Every Sector Underpins Blueprint’s Expanded Presence at EAG

Nadia Timofeev, Director Of Operations at Blueprint Operations explains why the leading brand has chosen to double the size of its stand presence at EAG and underlines how Blueprint is constantly exploring strategic opportunities for operators to add new revenue streams across AGC, Bingo, Motorway Service Areas, Pub and Casino. With a stand that’s brimming with innovation the focus will be firmly on the income generating potential of Blueprint Operations’ best in breed cabinets and game content.

Coinslot: This year’s is an important EAG with new gambling regulations and legislation on the horizon. What are you hoping to get from January’s show?

In recognition of the significance of the year ahead, the strength and breadth of our product offering and the growing importance of EAG as the major UK trade expo we took the decision to double the size of the Blueprint stand. The additional space will enable us to showcase and discuss our new cabinets, new menus and new games but also provide a sympathetic environment in which we can listen to the feedback from our customers which is such an important reason for participating in these key industry events. Our customers’ feedback from all of the sectors that we sell into comprising AGC, Bingo, Motorway Service Areas, Pub and Casino is always used in our internal product development and planning processes.

Where there are areas of customer uncertainty, we can work with them to fill any knowledge gaps, provide the latest updates and analysis on issues such as the review of technical standards, where we believe that we are with the white paper and the potential timings for the introduction of the delayed reforms to the land-based sector. All of this is set against the backdrop of the Blueprint product portfolio which helps our customers with their budgeting for the next 12 – 24 months.

Having a dedicated technical area on the stand has improved immensely popular with customers. It was debuted at EAG 2024 and the ability for operators to discuss issues with our technical team is highly valued. It will also provide an opportunity to demo the Blueprint Assist app. Described by one operator as being the ‘Engineer in your pocket’ the app makes an important contribution to maximising machine uptime. Its’ been a huge success and another added benefit of working with Blueprint Operations. The technical area will also feature a jumbo size iPad which will demonstrate the full range of BPO game content and menus for each market segment. It will also be loaded with games and menus that are not available to view on the show cabinets.

Coinslot: There will be a great deal of emphasis on new launches at ExCeL. Can you give us an idea of what new innovations the visitors will be seeing on your stand on 14-16 January?

We are always exploring strategic opportunities for operators to add new revenue streams and the Spectra Roulette, designed by our partner Spintec Gaming Technology, does exactly that by delivering a casino style experience on the high street. One of the most exciting recent developments in low stake/low prize product innovation the Spectra Cat B3 is available in a classic roulette set-up with between 5-12 player positions or as an amphitheatre format. With options of a 24” FHD or 27” UHS screen the roulette wheel is made from kerrock, a strong and durable wear-proof material with integrated LED lighting. The enhanced flat dome roulette centre provides a clear view, and the play experience has been enhanced courtesy of a new graphic user interface, ergonomic player stations, wireless mobile chargers for each station and the inclusion of a JMC iVision note recycler. The Spectra is an attraction for non-slot players as well as those end-users seeking a different gambling entertainment experience. The Spectra roulette is also available as a B1 product for the casino market with classic roulette and exciting game features such as Galactic Spin.

Having launched the Revolution Cabinet to widespread acclaim at October’s Autumn Coin-Op Show we will be extending our reputation for product innovation by using EAG to unveil a new generation of cabinet launches. Comprising the Revolution Cat B3, the Revolution 49” Cat B3 and the Velocity Cat C. During the development program we took into account the changes which the long-awaited White Paper reforms should bring in 2025. This will future proof our customers for the next 3 to 5 years and in the process provide a powerful platform to deliver our content road map for B3/B4 and Cat C games.

The new generation of cabinets will be delivered into the AGC, Bingo, Motorway Service Areas and Single Site markets from EAG onwards. Whilst some of the existing range will be withdrawn from production, we will continue to provide support in both hardware and game content. The stand will also feature the iconic Project P23 cabinet with the ever-popular poker content as well as exciting new slot games which are targeted at the ‘simple play’ customer.

Gaming machines are making a major contribution to the financial viability of pubs, throughout the country and maximising income in AGC’s,  Bingo clubs and motor ways services is absolutely essential particularly as the costs of running a business are set to rise significantly next year as the result of the Autumn Budget. This means there will be an even sharper focus on the income generating potential of Blueprint Operations’ best in breed cabinets and game content.

Taking advantage of the introduction of the London Casino and Gaming Show as part of the EAG experience we will be using the opportunity to introduce our new Modex B1 casino machine.  Designed exclusively for the modern casino environment, this state-of-the-art cabinet prioritises improved serviceability and accessibility, ensuring seamless operation and reduced downtime.

With a discreet rainbow LED lighting concept that enhances the gaming experience without dominating it, the cabinet boasts an integrated wireless charger and immersive gameplay which is brought to life courtesy of three 31.5″ high-definition screens.

Coinslot We obviously expect to see your best sellers and the reliable favourites on display. What products were pulling up the trees during 2024 and how did they perform in venues last year?

The Blueprint product portfolio produced excellent and solid performance across all sectors. Cashbox is king and the right game and menu mix is the way you achieve this.

Our Cat C Ultramax pub product was exceptional, and we made great progress building market share and the development of new games and menus in 2024. Both Cat B3/B4 and Cat C products had an excellent pipeline of games across the complete cabinet range and allowed us to develop bespoke menus for specific market segments such as bingo

Coinslot: Finally, two quickfire questions:

– what do you need from the government’s gambling review, and indeed from their general policies this year?

The industry desperately needs the white paper to be finalised. We need any review of technical standards to be evidence-based and take into account the significant economic pressures that many of our customers are facing.  We will be working with Bacta to ensure that any changes are proportionate and reasonable. Once the white paper is concluded we need a review of stakes and prizes to address a decade of inflation and the escalation of costs associated with running a business in particular following the autumn budget.

 And, on a scale of 1 to 5, rate your confidence in the market/economy for the year ahead and what shaped that score?

The Government’s aspirations for economic growth have to be matched by appropriate policies which we are not currently seeing. Growth will be led by business and consumer confidence both of which are lacking at present. The Government narrative is extremely negative which in turn has a detrimental impact on the way businesses plan and consumers spend. We need to see a more positive outlook from the next budget, or we will not meet the modest growth expectations that have been set-out by the Chancellor. Based on the Government’s current policy it’s a 3.