Hi Vectra
Interesting post
I think also that many punters see so many players,stalking the pubs and arcades and get put off by them.
In Blackpool there are loads of watchers with the slots,moving from arcade to pubs and bingo halls-almost like a work rota!
So sad in my eyes but they clearly they know no different.
Reflecting on some of your points Vectra-re increase in stake/prize,I in part disagree that it would not attract people. When the £500's were increased to £2 play,many thought it would not work and players would be put off-quite the opposite!!. The £2/£500 keep many arcades alive and ticking over.
I'm sure countless members on here have stopped at services and seen the growing number of arcades. Even big names(to name a couple, quicksilver and novomatic) are now merging into,what once was a very small market.
Ive seen many truck drivers glued to the slots,sometimes playing 2/3 x £500 at a time-!!. Many of the slots are similar if not the same as the bookies slots.
I suppose it's part boredom for them but also I can imagine many get hooked too.
You make a valid point re the £25 slots but sadly the industry will never go back.
If only it would re amusement arcades and turn back the arcade clock 20-30 years!!!
Another point to reflect upon is the the number of pubs,night clubs,bingo halls and sadly working men's clubs that are closing daily.
The new going out does seem to be staying in and I do believe the rise of online gambling as played a huge part in this.
I do wonder what the sea fronts and Town Centre's across Great Britain will look like in 20 years from now.
I know if my local coastal town- Blackpool,does not get the investment(it is crying out for),that many owners on the sea front will pack up and never be seen again.
Off topic Vectra,it will be interesting to hear back from members who live close to the coast as to how things have changed in the last 20 years near to them.
Jay