Gamestec, the UK’s largest operator of pay-to-play machines, has demonstrated its commitment to the jukebox sector with the signing of an exclusive licensing deal with the Official Charts Company Sound Leisure and Soundnet.
The contract was officially signed off on the opening day of EAG International Expo on Tuesday.
According to the terms of the agreement, Gamestec will purchase and operate 250 of the UK’s first Official Charts-branded jukeboxes over the course of the next 12 months. In addition to the eye-catching livery, the jukeboxes will for the first time come loaded with the weekly Official Albums Chart feature, exclusive music news and artist content courtesy of OfficialCharts.com, plus the all-important Official Singles Chart.
Peter Davies, commercial director of Gamestec, said: “Gamestec’s proud history has been built on a foundation of pioneering, developing and operating jukeboxes for over 50 years. While Gamestec has long since moved away from manufacturing ‘in house,’ the company remains at the forefront of supplying the UK pub, bar and leisure market with pay-to-play music and operates over 2,000 music products.
“We have worked with Sound Leisure and Soundnet closely over the years as our preferred suppliers of content and hardware. We recognise the product quality, investment in research and development and professionalism shown by both organisations as market leading.
“We are excited to be able to extend this relationship to include the Official Charts Company. We have been incredibly impressed with the Official Charts Company’s approach to embracing the pay-to-play sector and the consumer appeal the Official UK Singles Chart brings to the jukeboxes we operate. A fully branded Official Charts Company Jukebox was a natural progression and we are delighted to be working with all partners to bring this fantastic product to market.”
Chris Black, managing director of Sound Leisure, said: “This order from Gamestec represents the largest single order to be placed by any company for jukeboxes this century and is fantastic news, not only for Sound Leisure and Soundnet but for the industry as a whole. Once again, jukeboxes are being talked about and are being seen not only as a viable commercial option for the operator and retailer, but also as an essential piece of equipment for the pub
“Personally it has been a fantastic experience working with all the parties to pull this together and I am extremely proud that Sound Leisure has once again been chosen to manufacture another flagship product for the industry.”
Simon Davis, managing director of Soundnet, added: “Soundnet has been supplying Gamestec with music for its digital jukebox estate since 1999. In fact Gamestec was our first ever customer and it is with great delight that we are announcing this deal with the Official Charts Company. The Official Charts Jukebox builds on the success of that relationship, demonstrating that sometimes a good idea becomes a great product.
“Built by Sound Leisure, content by Soundnet and charts and editorial content supplied by the Official Charts Company and OfficialCharts.com, this jukebox is a celebration of the UK music industry and over 60 years of Top 40 success.”
