Category C machines: change for the better

Over the last couple of years, we’ve observed a small revolution in the Category C (AWP) gaming machines market – and the changes on the whole couldn’t be more welcome.

In that time, we’ve seen some major manufacturers leaving the market, and other, smaller companies seizing the opportunity to fill the gap. These newcomers have taken the opportunity to be creative, devising fantastic new games that enhance the player experience – attracting new players as well as keeping regular players happy.

The main driver of this change stems from new legislation introduced in January this year, with a top prize of £100 being allowed on Category C machines for the first time.

This was a significant increase from the previous level of £70, and, allied with the stake options of up to £1, has meant that machine manufacturers once again have an incentive to create new machines for the industry – although some of the old favourites (Deal or No Deal has been going for years!) are still popular too.
As well as great new ideas for the games themselves, advances in pay-out technology have been introduced. Note recyclers don’t just accept bank notes but enable the machine to pay-out in bank notes as well as in £1 coins, supporting and enhancing the day-to-day operation of our machines. Players prefer the convenience (and weight) of 10 x £10 notes as opposed to 100 x £1 coins!

During the same period, we’ve been looking for ways to increase support for our Category C machine customers too. Those who run these machines will be all too aware of the problem of hopper starvation: if the hopper level falls below £100 then the note acceptor switches off and will not accept notes. Players will then know that the hopper float is low and not play the machine as they assume it won’t pay out major prizes. When a player does win, the machine will attempt to pay out but may run out of coins, resulting in an unhappy player having to report the problem.

We strive to help our customers through education to overcome these issues – resulting in happier players, and machines that can be played, earning valuable profit, at any time.

Simple steps, like keeping the machine topped up with £1 coins, ensuring that the machine is clean and that the sound is turned on, can make all the difference and keep the profits rolling in.

With innovation very much a Dransfield ethos, we are currently testing digital products that are complementing the traditional core reel-based machines. We’re very excited about how these products will help to drive further change – keep watching this space for further details over the coming months!