ELAUT Group
ELAUT Group is a family-owned Belgian manufacturer of coin-operated claw cranes, coin pushers, and skill-based redemption games, serving Family Entertainment Centers and amusement operators across three brands (ELAUT, Benchmark Games International, Coast to Coast Entertainment) via a global distributor network and direct regional sales offices.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1959
- HeadquartersSint-niklaas, Belgium
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ELAUT Group does
ELAUT Group is a privately held, family-owned designer and manufacturer of coin-operated amusement games headquartered in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. Founded in 1957 by Achiel Verstraeten as a radio/television repair shop, the company pivoted to amusement games in 1959 and built its identity around electromechanical claw cranes — notably the Good Luck Crane introduced in 1978 — before expanding into coin pushers (Mistral, Wizard of Oz, Ticket Circus) and skill-based redemption machines. The group is organized under three complementary brands: ELAUT (premium cranes, coin pushers, branded IP games such as Creative Claw and the Smurfs line), Benchmark Games International (skill-based redemption games and self-contained merchandise machines), and Coast to Coast Entertainment (value-tier claw machines including the ShopZone and Fun Zone families). Manufacturing and engineering operate from Sint-Niklaas and Benchmark's South Florida facility, supported by regional offices in Lake Worth (USA), Lorsch (Germany), and Lleida (Spain), and a global distributor network of 20+ named partners across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
The company's product platform combines proprietary electromechanical hardware with the E-CLAUT web application, which enables remote configuration of machine visuals, error notifications, and player/prize behavior analytics across the installed base. Hardware revenues (new machine sales to Family Entertainment Centers, route operators, and amusement parks) are complemented by spare parts (sold through brand-specific e-commerce storefronts), licensed IP games (Smurfs, Superman, football/soccer themes), and — in Europe — direct operation of amusement concessions in parks, zoos, and roadside attractions. Pricing is quote-based B2B with no public list price; transactions are processed through direct sales teams or regional distributors, with a 1-year guarantee on new goods.
Go-to-market is a hybrid of channel partnerships (the dominant motion) and event-led sales through major industry trade shows (IAAPA Orlando, IAAPA Middle East, Bowl Expo), supplemented by LinkedIn, YouTube, and email newsletter marketing. The customer base of 1,200+ spans premium FECs (Family Entertainment Group, Funhouse Group of Companies), long-tail route operators, and global distributors (Betson in the US under an exclusive 40+ year partnership; United Distributing Company in the UK; Global Fun Partners in Spain; Zax Amusements in Australia; Amusement Services Int. in the UAE). Leadership transitioned to second-generation Verstraeten family management in 1996, and the company has remained independent without external private equity or venture capital funding.
ELAUT Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ELAUT Group
- Legal name
- Elaut NV
- Website
- https://elaut-group.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1959
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- ELAUT Group is a family-owned Belgian manufacturer of coin-operated claw cranes, coin pushers, and skill-based redemption games, serving Family Entertainment Centers and amusement operators across three brands (ELAUT, Benchmark Games International, Coast to Coast Entertainment) via a global distributor network and direct regional sales offices.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ELAUT Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Coin-Operated Amusement Machines
- NAICS
- Amusement Arcades (71312), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Amusement Arcades (713120)
- SIC
- Games, Toys & Children's Vehicles (No Dolls & Bicycles) (3944), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Amusement/Redemption Arcade Machines (Ticket & Prize) (MPAEAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Coin-Operated Entertainment (Pinball, Crane/Claw, Jukebox, Darts/Billiards) (MPAEAJAF), Family Entertainment Centers & Indoor Amusement (Arcades, Trampoline Parks, Indoor Play) (THAAAAAD)
Keywords
Where ELAUT Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sint-niklaas
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
ELAUT Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Amusement Machine Hardware Sales: ELAUT Group designs, manufactures, and sells electromechanical amusement machines (claw cranes, coin pushers, redemption games) to Family Entertainment Centers and operators worldwide. Products are sold through direct sales teams in regional offices and through a global distributor network.
- Spare Parts Sales: The company generates revenue from selling spare parts for its amusement machines. Spare parts are available for purchase online or by contacting spare parts teams in EU/rest of world and USA/South America.
- Game Operations and Concessions: In Europe, ELAUT operates and holds concessions for amusement games and related equipment, including remote-controlled truck and boat attractions, traditional amusement game stands and arcades in amusement parks, zoos, roadside attractions, and museums. This represents a managed services / operator model.
- Licensing of Branded Games and Themes: The company develops licensed themed games such as Smurfs Goal Champs Soccer, Superman-themed redemption games, and Creative Claw with branded MrClaw mascot, indicating revenue from intellectual property licensing arrangements.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Standard B2B hardware sales — no tiered pricing publicly disclosed |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Spare parts available for order online or by contacting spare parts teams |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
ELAUT Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ELAUT Group designs, manufactures, and sells electromechanical coin-operated amusement machines — primarily claw cranes, coin pushers, and redemption games — to Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and route operators worldwide through its three brands (ELAUT, Benchmark Games International, Coast to Coast Entertainment). In Europe, the group also directly operates and holds concessions for amusement games at theme parks, zoos, and museums, and sells spare parts through online storefronts. The proprietary E-CLAUT web platform provides remote management of deployed machines.
Product overview
ELAUT Group offers a portfolio of amusement games under three complementary brands: ELAUT (premium claw cranes and coin pushers), Benchmark Games International (skill-based redemption games), and Coast to Coast Entertainment (value-priced high-end games). Core products include the E-Claw and Big One crane lines, closed-loop coin pushers like Ticket Circus, Mistral, and Wizard of Oz, and branded machines such as Creative Claw and Smurfs Pusher. Benchmark Games International specializes in skill-based redemption games and prize merchandisers. Coast to Coast Entertainment provides the ShopZone and Fun Zone claw machine families. The portfolio is managed through the proprietary E-CLAUT remote management web application.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Benchmark Games International: Premier manufacturer of fun and skill-based games in coin-operated redemption games, novelty, prize merchandisers and other amusement devices; developer of prize and ticket solutions for unattended redemption locations. Part of ELAUT Group since 2014.
- Coast to Coast Entertainment
Products and services
- E-Claw (including E-Claw 2.0) Flagship premium claw machine line from ELAUT; consistently among the highest-earning games for FEC operators, with remote management via the E-CLAUT platform.
- Big One Renowned premium claw machine from ELAUT, part of the premium crane lineup alongside the 600 series.
- 600 Series Cranes ELAUT crane series; the 600 series consistently ranks among the highest earning games according to customer testimonials.
- Creative Claw Branded 1-player claw machine featuring the MrClaw mascot, a 32-inch interactive display with video animation, and a lower-positioned control panel for smaller players.
- Ticket Circus Closed-loop coin pusher game that is part of ELAUT's pusher ticket game portfolio.
- Mistral First coin pusher launched by ELAUT in 2012.
- Wizard of Oz Coin pusher launched in 2012 alongside Mistral.
- Smurfs Pusher Coin pusher featuring the Smurfs IP, offering collectible cards and mini figurines as prizes along with ticket rewards; consistently ranks among top-performing pushers across multiple locations.
- Smurfs Goal Champs Soccer Soccer-themed redemption game featuring the Smurfs license, combining competitive gameplay with a licensed theme for repeat plays; demonstrated real-world performance of $8,708 over 11 weeks at one US location.
- Fun Zone Series Claw machine series under Coast to Coast Entertainment that generates substantial cash box collection and strong ROI while ensuring repeat player engagement.
- ShopZone Family Family of five claw machine models under Coast to Coast Entertainment, designed for reliable, easy operation and servicing with consistent performance.
- Benchmark Games International Products Premier manufacturer of fun and skill-based redemption games, novelty games, prize merchandisers, and self-contained merchandise machines; developer of prize and ticket solutions for unattended redemption locations.
- E-CLAUT Remote Management Platform Web application enabling operators to remotely control machine settings, run actions, change colors and videos, receive error/warning notifications, and analyze prize and player behavior data on deployed ELAUT machines.
- Game Operations and Concessions Direct operation of amusement games and concessions in European amusement parks, zoos, theme parks, roadside attractions, and museums, including remote-controlled truck and boat attractions.
- Spare Parts Spare parts for ELAUT, Benchmark Games International, and Coast to Coast Entertainment amusement machines, available for purchase online or via direct contact with regional spare parts teams.
Quantifiable outcome
- Smurfs Goal Champs Soccer generated $8,708 over 11 weeks ($792/week average; $1,476 peak week) in a US location — demonstrating strong revenue performance on the floor
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use ELAUT Group
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
ELAUT Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
ELAUT Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Benchmark Games InternationalflagshipELAUT Group acquired Benchmark Games International in 2017, one of the industry's leaders in exceptional, entertaining, high-profit Redemption Games and Self-Contained Merchandise Machines. Part of the ELAUT Group since 2014. Employs approximately 100 people at its South Florida headquarters.
- Coast to Coast EntertainmentflagshipELAUT Group acquired Coast to Coast Entertainment LLC in 2015, expanding its USA business. Coast to Coast provides high-end coin-operated amusement games (claw machines including Fun Zone series and ShopZone family) at value pricing for operators.
- EuropaParkcoreEuropaPark is mentioned as a customer location where a Service Technician Electronics role will be based (alternating between EuropaPark in Rust and the Lorsch office in Germany). The partnership includes unlimited park entry for employees as a benefit.
- American Vending ServicescoreUS distributor based in Elk Grove Village, IL, serving the coin-op amusement market.
- Global AmusementscoreUS distributor based in Saint Augustine, Florida, specializing in coin-operated amusement equipment.
- Deith DistributingcoreUS distributor based in Port Washington, NY, with long-standing relationship in the amusement industry.
- BetsoncoreUS-based exclusive distributor for ELAUT crane and pusher products (Big Choice banner) for over 40 years, starting from 1984. Relationship began with founder Achiel Verstraeten in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.
- Gold Coast InternationalcoreUS distributor based in Great Neck, NY, serving the amusement game market.
- Planet ArcadecoreMulti-country distributor serving USA, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico markets from a flexible office structure.
- Moss DistributingcoreUS distributor serving Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, and Bloomington, MN.
- Legacy CoinminorUS distributor based in Myrtle Beach, SC, serving the southeast market.
- Player 1 Amusement GroupcoreCanadian distributor based in Mississauga, Ontario, serving the Canadian amusement market.
- Shaffer DistributingcoreUS distributor based in Columbus, OH, serving the Midwest amusement market.
- Big OnecoreAustrian distributor based in Eisenstadt, serving the Austrian market.
- GRIMALDI SYSTEMESminorFrench distributor based in Falaise, France, serving the local amusement and vending market.
- Game CastlecoreDutch distributor based in Rijen, Netherlands, serving the Benelux amusement market.
- Golden EggminorCzech Republic distributor based in Karviná, serving the Czech and wider Central European market.
- RENE PIERREminorFrench distributor based in Chalon-Sur-Saône, serving the French amusement market.
- Arcade BeeminorPolish distributor based in Debowiec, serving the Polish and Eastern European market.
- ELMACcoreItalian distributor based in Rubano (PD), serving the Italian amusement market.
- Gack Spiel und FreizeitgeratecoreGerman distributor based in Bad Bentheim, serving the German amusement and leisure market.
- Rom BowlingminorRomanian distributor based in Brasov, serving the Romanian and Eastern European market.
- United Distributing CompanycoreUK distributor based in London, with a long-standing relationship with ELAUT Group characterized by trust, reliability, and shared passion for the industry.
- Idea Vending B.V.coreDutch distributor based in Amersfoort, Netherlands, serving the Benelux vending and amusement market.
- Global Fun PartnerscoreSpanish distributor based in Lloret de Mar (Gerona), serving the Spanish and wider European market. Characterized as a reliable, communicative, and serious partner with strong relationship quality.
- Zax Amusements Pty LtdcoreAustralian distributor based in Springvale, Victoria, serving the Australian and Asia Pacific amusement market.
- Amusement Services Int. LLCcoreUAE-based distributor in Dubai, serving the Middle East amusement and entertainment market.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ELAUT Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Coastal Amusements: US-based manufacturer of coin-operated amusement games including cranes, coin pushers, and redemption games. Directly comparable to ELAUT in product category, target market (FECs and arcades), and distribution model through US distributors.
- Andamiro Co., Ltd. Korean manufacturer of coin pushers, basketball games, and redemption arcade machines. A leading competitor in the coin pusher category directly competing with ELAUT's Mistral, Wizard of Oz, and Ticket Circus products globally.
- Bay Tek Games: US-based manufacturer of redemption games, arcade games, and ticket games for FECs and amusement venues. Sibling brand to Benchmark Games International under the ELAUT Group, comparable in product focus and customer base.
- UNIS Technology: Chinese manufacturer of coin-operated amusement machines including crane machines, pushers, and redemption games. Competes with ELAUT on price and product breadth across global markets.
- Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE): US manufacturer of redemption and amusement games including ticket games and sports-based arcade machines. Competes directly with Benchmark Games International and ELAUT in the FEC market.
- LAI Games: Australian manufacturer and operator of coin-operated amusement games including crane machines and prize merchandisers. Directly comparable to ELAUT in product category and global distribution model, with strong Asia Pacific presence.
Broad incumbents
- Sega Amusements International: Subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings manufacturing and distributing coin-operated amusement machines globally. A broader incumbent in the amusement industry with wider product portfolio and significantly larger scale than ELAUT.
- Bandai Namco Amusement: Major Japanese amusement machine manufacturer and FEC operator with global presence. A broad incumbent in the amusement industry offering arcade games, prize machines, and FEC services with significantly greater scale and resources.
Emerging players
- Adrenaline Amusements: US-based manufacturer of coin-operated amusement games focused on redemption and skill-based games. An emerging player with product overlap in the FEC segment, particularly competing with Coast to Coast and Benchmark brands.
Regional players
- Stern Pinball: US-based manufacturer of pinball machines primarily serving the US market. Comparable in business model (coin-operated amusement equipment manufacturing) and target customers (FECs and collectors), but focused on a different product category (pinball vs. cranes/pushers).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ELAUT Group social profiles
Digital presenceELAUT Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ELAUT Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ELAUT Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
ELAUT Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ELAUT Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ELAUT Group
What does ELAUT Group do?
ELAUT Group designs, manufactures, and sells electromechanical coin-operated amusement machines — primarily claw cranes, coin pushers, and redemption games — to Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) and route operators worldwide through its three brands (ELAUT, Benchmark Games International, Coast to Coast Entertainment). In Europe, the group also directly operates and holds concessions for amusement games at theme parks, zoos, and museums, and sells spare parts through online storefronts. The proprietary E-CLAUT web platform provides remote management of deployed machines.
Is ELAUT Group a public or private company?
ELAUT Group is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was ELAUT Group founded?
ELAUT Group was founded in 1959. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is ELAUT Group based?
ELAUT Group is headquartered in Sint-niklaas, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does ELAUT Group make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Amusement Machine Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are spare Parts Sales, game Operations and Concessions and licensing of Branded Games and Themes.
Who are ELAUT Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Coastal Amusements, Andamiro Co., Ltd., Bay Tek Games, UNIS Technology, Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE) and LAI Games. Broad incumbents are Sega Amusements International and Bandai Namco Amusement. Adrenaline Amusements is listed as an emerging player. Stern Pinball is listed as a regional player.
Does ELAUT Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for ELAUT Group.
What industry is ELAUT Group in?
ELAUT Group's product category is Coin-Operated Amusement Machines. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAEAJAD, Amusement/Redemption Arcade Machines (Ticket & Prize), with a secondary code of MPAEAJAF, Coin-Operated Entertainment (Pinball, Crane/Claw, Jukebox, Darts/Billiards). Its NAICS code is 71312 and its SIC code is 3944.