The findings of independent research conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 2,000 UK Nationally representative respondents aged 16+ shows that Generation Z has fallen in love with the seaside arcades so popular with their grandparents. 

The research reveals that 8 in 10 respondents (81 percent) view seaside arcades as being part of British culture and it is young Brits that are banging the drum for arcades, with 90 percent of 25–34-year-olds backing their importance.

Despite overwhelming public support from Britain’s younger generations, seaside arcades continue to face a perfect storm of challenges from rising energy and staffing costs, plus the threat of increased taxation as suggested by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

72 percent say Government should do more to protect them – with 86 percent of those aged 25-34-years calling for urgent action.

The research findings confirm the central role played by seaside arcades with 72 percent of adults saying they would visit an arcade on a trip to the seaside a figure that rises to 91 percent for 24-34-year-olds.

In terms of providing accessible entertainment 55 percent say that arcades offer great value for money, making them the UK’s most affordable family day out. As a result, 84 percent confirmed they have enjoyed arcades with multiple generations of their family.

The importance of contributions to local economies featured highly in the research paper with 7 in 10 stating that arcades play a key role in regenerating seaside towns, a figure that rises to 85 percent of 18-24-year-olds.

Reflecting on the research findings Joseph Cullis, President of UK trade association, Bacta said: “Britain’s seaside arcades are a vital element of our proud tourism industry, a modern cultural icon, and have been a fun family activity for more than a century.

“It’s brilliant but not surprising to see young people are embracing them with all the enthusiasm of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents before them.

“At Bacta, we’re fighting to protect our seaside arcades from the threats of rising costs and from those who want to tax them out of existence. We hope that local councillors, MPs and the Treasury will heed the wants and needs of the British people and protect these vital institutions.”

Elliot Ball, who co-owns and runs Clacton Pier with his brother Billy, said other attractions would be at risk if arcades were taxed even more.

“I’m the fifth generation of my family – on both sides – involved in amusement arcades so this is a labour of love” he stated.

“But the threat from the government to raise gambling tax would put at risk a traditional family day out to the seaside. Trips here have been making memories for generations, and it’s great that younger people are finding the same safe, harmless fun on the pier that has been raising a smile and lighting up eyes for years and years.

“We’ve bounced back from the pandemic and the rise of staycations helps, but many of Britain’s most beloved seaside attractions will be put at high risk if gambling taxes rise.”

Soft2Bet and its brands have been shortlisted for 12 awards at the EGR Operator Awards 2025, highlighting progress across the EU and North America with recognition for leading brands, its key MEGA solution and individual honours.

Results across Europe validate Soft2Bet’s approach and prove Soft2Bet’s platform, gamification, and localisation excellence. Soft2Bet’s performance-first B2C model combines product innovation, MEGA-powered gamification and rigorous compliance to drive sustainable growth in saturated and competitive markets.

At last year’s EGR Operator Awards, Soft2Bet’s excellence was recognised with six nominations, and in 2025, that number has doubled to twelve! The nominations are:

MEGA by Soft2Bet

• In-house Product of the Year

Betinia

• Casino Operator of the Year
• Innovator of the Year
• Sports Betting Operator
• Casino Product of the Year

CampoBet

• Sports Betting Operator
• Casino Product of the Year

ToonieBet

• Casino Product of the Year
• North American Operator of the Year
• Marketing Campaign
• Rising Star

Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet

• Individual Achievement

“Being shortlisted in twelve categories at this year’s EGR Operator Awards is a clear endorsement of MEGA and the performance of our brands. We build for localisation from day one, take a performance-driven approach and put customer experience first. That is how we deliver sustainable growth across regulated markets and measurable value for our partners,” stated Alex Gitsik, CMO at Soft2Bet.

MEGA powers Soft2Bet’s platform and is offered as a standalone, API-ready solution. Through data-driven segmentation, flexible UX/UI and market-specific configuration, MEGA delivers higher engagement and ROI across brands such as Betinia, CampoBet and ToonieBet, with measurable results, stronger retention and consistent industry recognition.