NEWS | Industry Updates


Exchange for Change has been appointed by Cabinet Minister Llyr Gruffydd as the Deposit Management Organisation (DMO) for Wales, marking a major milestone in the delivery of a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The appointment will help create a more consistent and efficient scheme across all four nations, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing greater clarity for both industry and consumers. Under the agreed approach, glass containers will not need to


be accepted at every return point in Wales. Instead, around 100 dedicated glass return points will be established, with the aim of ensuring that 94% of Welsh residents can access one within a 15-minute drive. The scheme for PET plastic, aluminium and steel containers will remain aligned with the rest of the UK, while operating in Wales without cross-subsidisation between materials. Exchange for Change thanked stakeholders for their support


throughout the application process and remains focused on delivering a successful Deposit Return Scheme across the UK, to be launched on 1 October 2027. More information about the scheme can be found at https://exchangeforchange.co.uk/ With DRS drawing closer, certification testing for reverse vending machines (RVMs) has officially begun. Exchange for Change is expected to release its first list of approved machines this month.


The Vending & Automated Retail Association has advised vending operators, retailers and businesses exploring collection opportunities under DRS, to ensure any future investment aligns with the scheme’s technical requirements. Prospective buyers are advised to check the published specifications and certification status of machines before committing to a purchase. The approved equipment list will be expanded as further machines complete the certification process.


Cashless payments edge ahead of cash for UK arcade visitors, Nayax research finds


of visitors, compared with 43% who choose cash. The remaining 5% have no preference. Younger visitors show the strongest


preference for cashless payments, with 75% of 25-34-year-olds favouring a contactless bank card, mobile wallet or prepaid game card, compared with 20% who choose cash. Cash remains more popular among those aged 65 and over, at 68%, although more than one quarter (26%) of visitors in this age group now prefer a cashless option. The research also suggests that making it


More than half (52%) of UK arcade and family entertainment centre (FEC) visitors prefer a cashless way to pay and play, according to new research from Nayax, the global commerce enablement, payments and loyalty platform. Nayax’s technology also supports payments, management and loyalty across unattended retail, vending and other self-service environments. The findings, based on more than


2,350 people in the UK who visit arcades and FECs, show that 34% prefer to use a contactless bank card, 15% favour a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, and 3% choose a prepaid game card. Together, these cashless options are preferred by 52%


quicker and easier for visitors to top up and continue playing could affect how much they spend during a visit. Of those surveyed, 25% said that being


able to top up credits instantly using a phone or card would have the greatest effect on their spending, while 19% chose shorter queues at kiosks and redemption areas. A further 16% selected a loyalty or rewards programme and 15% chose personalised offers or discounts. Instant top-ups were particularly


important to younger visitors. Almost half (45%) of 25-34-year-olds and 38% of 35-44-year-olds said this would be most likely to encourage them to spend more. The findings reflect the convenience that people have come to expect from


everyday payments. Many consumers are now accustomed to tapping a card or phone, managing purchases digitally and completing transactions without unnecessary delays. For amusement operators, responding


to those expectations means looking at the whole player journey – from the first payment and each game played to topping up credits, collecting tickets and redeeming prizes. Making each stage as straightforward as possible can reduce interruptions and allow guests to spend more of their visit playing. Lynda Clarke, general manager UK at


Nayax (pictured), commented: “When more than half of arcade visitors prefer a cashless way to play – rising to three-quarters among those aged 25-34 – operators without that option risk missing out. “That doesn’t just mean someone walking


away from a machine because they can’t pay in the way they want. It could also be a guest running out of credits and deciding not to queue to top up or leaving without being given a compelling reason to return. “The payment is also only one part of


the opportunity. Almost three-quarters of visitors identified something that could encourage them to spend more, whether that’s instant top-ups, shorter queues, rewards or personalised offers. Operators therefore need to consider the complete visit – how easily someone can start playing, add more credits, move between games, collect tickets and redeem prizes.”


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