Games machines where customers retrieve prize money behind the bar are to be rolled out to thousands of pubs after boosting machine income up to 35% in trials.
The "ticket out" machines have been trialed at 100 venues. Operator Games Media told the Morning Advertiser it now aims to accelerate the roll-out in 2010 to cover all 2,500 units that currently operate in bars.
The news follows a warning from Sceptre Leisure boss Ken Turner that pub tenants are missing out on up to £1,000 of revenue from the new higher stakes and prizes AWPs because they aren't keeping cash hoppers filled with pound coins.
No money is dispensed directly from Ticket out machines. Instead, winners get a ticket receipt that's exchanged for cash at the bar. Games Media has been using the technology for its video amusement with prizes terminal Juice and skills with prize terminal IND:E II.
Managing director Andrew Ludlow said the machines had led to an increase in machine income of up to 35% in some cases.
"Note usage among players is at an all time high and subsequently coin hopper starvation has become a real operational concern. For a machine to payout prizes, its coin hopper must be kept to a minimum level and this is reliant on the licensee refilling very regularly.
"The increased jackpot limit on AWP machines to £70 has only added to the issue. It is now becoming more difficult than ever to support the delivery of prizes and if a machine won't payout customers get frustrated and walk away, resulting in lost revenue."
He said the ticket out machines simply need to be collected, not re-filled, reducing the burden on staff. The change used can be used to re-fill tills and "Bank costs are reduced because the pub is dealing with less change".
Games Media said tickets can also be used as entries in prize draws, and can be used to advertise promotions at the pub.
The new machines are to be rolled across leased and managed sites owned by major operators, including Enterprise Inn and Marston's, as well as freehouses.
Enterprise gaming manager Peter Withey said the machines are a "logical step" towards improving customer experiences and simplifying administration for hosts.
"The results so far have been very encouraging with no customer or retailer issues.
"Through the elimination of float starvation and the engagement by the player both on the machine and during the redemption process, this has resulted in very positive customer satisfaction."