Keno has officially kicked off the full-scale rollout of its new Wave-8 terminals across Queensland hotels, following a successful soft launch in August that saw the new technology trialled at selected venues.
With an average of 125 terminals being installed each week, the rollout is on track to replace approximately 1,630 legacy J6000 and X7000 terminals across Keno’s licenced venues in Queensland by the end of 2025.
This marks a significant milestone in Keno’s Terminal Replacement Program and reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation and enhanced customer experience.
The Wave-8 terminals are more than just a hardware upgrade – they represent a strategic leap forward in operational efficiency and player engagement. Featuring faster processing speeds, streamlined ticket checking, and a sleek, modern design, the new terminals are built to meet the evolving needs of both venues and patrons.
Importantly, the terminals also include customer-facing screens that open up future opportunities for digital advertising and integration with Keno draws and display screen content. This positions hotels to take advantage of new revenue and engagement channels as the technology evolves.
Paul Malek, Keno’s General Manager of Licensed Venue Operations, says he’s excited for Queensland hotels to experience the new terminals.
“The Queensland soft launch of the terminals in August concluded without any issues and was met with enthusiastic feedback from participating venues,” he says.
“The introduction of Wave-8 Keno terminals provides Queensland hotels with a forward-looking upgrade that aligns with emerging tech trends, delivering streamlined and reliable operations for both team members and guests.”
The rollout has been carefully structured to minimise disruption to venues. A regional deployment strategy ensures a smooth transition, and existing venue agreements remain unaffected.
Additionally, no extra staff training is required, as the software interface remains unchanged, making the switch as seamless as possible for Queensland hotels.
Hotels currently using the J6000 terminals will notice the most significant change, with the scanner now integrated into the printer rather than the terminal unit itself. This redesign streamlines the terminal, making it more compact and enhancing its usability.
Mr Malek adds that the Wave-8 terminals are designed with both current and future needs in mind.
“The new terminals are designed to adapt to changing technology trends and prepare Queensland hotels for what’s next,” he says.
“Whether it’s integrating with new digital content or supporting future gameplay innovations, Wave-8 gives us the flexibility to evolve.”
The first installation sprint began in August, with MAX Tech leading the deployment across multiple regions. Additional sprints are scheduled throughout the remainder of 2025, ensuring all Queensland hotels benefit from the upgrade.
“Hotels are excited about the new look and feel of the terminals, but more importantly, they’re seeing the operational benefits straight away,” Malek says.
As the rollout progresses, Malek says Keno remains focused on supporting its venue partners every step of the way.
“Keno remains dedicated to helping Queensland hotels thrive and stay resilient into the future,” he adds.
“This terminal upgrade reflects our continued investment in enabling hotels to evolve with the industry and consistently offer outstanding customer experiences.”
For more information about the Wave-8 terminal rollout, hotels are encouraged to contact their Keno Business Development Manager.