Giant Gumball Machine Hire
Please note: That if using tokens the capsules need to be loaded with tissue paper to ensure the sensor can detect each ball.
A giant gumball machine is a large-scale version of the classic sweet dispenser, redesigned for events, promotions, and interactive experiences. Standing typically between 1.5 and 2 metres tall, these machines are visually striking and instantly recognisable, making them a powerful attraction at exhibitions, retail spaces, corporate events, and private parties across the UK.
While traditional gumball machines dispense sweets, modern event versions are far more versatile. They can be filled with plastic capsules containing prizes, branded merchandise, discount vouchers, or even competition entries, turning a nostalgic concept into an engaging marketing tool.
What Is a Giant Gumball Machine?
A giant gumball machine (often also referred to as a capsule vending machine or Gashapon machine) is designed to deliver a fun, interactive “turn-to-win” experience. Users simply rotate a handle or press a button, and a capsule drops out containing a surprise item.
Unlike raffles or prize draws, every participant receives something, which makes the experience more inclusive and satisfying. This “guaranteed win” model is one of the main reasons these machines are so effective at drawing crowds.
Key Features:
1. Large Visual Impact
These machines are oversized and colourful, making them ideal centrepieces. Their presence naturally attracts attention in busy environments like shopping centres or trade shows.
2. Customisable Branding
Most hire companies offer full branding options:
- Vinyl wraps with logos and campaign messaging
- Custom colours to match brand identity
- Branded capsules or inserts
This transforms the machine into a fully immersive brand activation tool.
3. Flexible Fill Options
You’re not limited to gumballs. Popular contents include:
- Promotional products
- Discount codes or vouchers
- QR codes linking to digital campaigns
- Small gifts or themed items
- Competition tickets
4. Simple Operation
Machines can be set to:
- Free play (most common for events)
- Token-based use
- Coin-operated mode
This flexibility allows organisers to control participation depending on the goal.
Nationwide Hire Across the UK
Giant gumball machine hire is available nationwide, meaning suppliers deliver to all regions including:
- England (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, etc.)
- Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness)
- Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, Newport)
- Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry/Londonderry)
Importantly, hire companies don’t just serve major cities—they deliver to all towns and rural areas, provided there is suitable access for setup. This makes them ideal for everything from city-centre exhibitions to countryside weddings.
Popular Uses:
Corporate Events & Exhibitions
At trade shows and expos, giant gumball machines are used to:
- Attract visitors to stands
- Encourage interaction
- Generate leads through prize entry mechanics
They create a fun talking point that helps brands stand out in competitive environments.
Retail Promotions
In shopping centres and stores, they can:
- Reward purchases with prizes
- Promote seasonal campaigns (e.g., Christmas giveaways)
- Increase dwell time and footfall
Retailers often use them as part of “spin to win” promotions.
Weddings & Private Parties
For private hire, they add a playful, nostalgic element:
- Wedding favours inside capsules
- Party gifts for guests
- Themed surprises for birthdays or celebrations
They also double as a decorative feature and photo opportunity.
Festivals & Public Events
At festivals, fairs, and community events, they:
- Entertain large crowds
- Provide quick, repeatable engagement
- Offer branded or sponsored giveaways
Why They Work So Well
Giant gumball machines are effective because they combine several key elements:
- Nostalgia – familiar concept that appeals to all ages
- Interactivity – physical engagement draws people in
- Instant reward – no waiting, everyone wins
- Visual appeal – bright, oversized design stands out
This combination makes them far more engaging than static displays or passive promotions.
Hire Packages:
Most UK hire companies provide complete packages that include:
- Delivery and setup
- Collection after the event
- Optional branding and customisation
- Capsule supply and filling
- On-site support (for larger events)
Some suppliers also offer multiple machines for larger activations or roadshows.
Capsule Dispenser Hire:
Dive into fun with JM Entertainment's Gashapon hire, a star in our Interactive Digital Games range. Your hire includes:
- 1 Unbranded Gashapon Machine
- Additional Capsules available upon request
- Power Cable (13amp socket required, generator option for outdoor events)
Our Gashapon machines are in prime condition, with £10,000,000 Employee and Public Liability Insurance, PAT tested equipment, and full adherence to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Risk Assessment and Method Statement documents are also provided on request.
| | Floor Space | Height |
| Unit Size: | 2.7ft x 2.7ft | 5.9ft |
| Required Space: | 3ft x 3ft | 6ft |
Before booking, please click the link below to view our full Specification Sheet. This document contains important information including machine dimensions, weight, power requirements, branding specifications, access requirements, and installation guidelines. Please ensure your venue can accommodate the equipment and provides suitable flat access to the setup location, as JM Entertainment staff are unable to transport equipment up or down steps or stairways.
Click Here to view Technical Details
Gashapon Machine Hire – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gashapon Machine?
A Gashapon Machine is a giant capsule vending machine designed to dispense prizes, promotional merchandise or giveaways at events. Guests turn the handle and a capsule drops into the collection area, creating an exciting surprise every time they play.
How does the Gashapon Machine work?
Players simply turn the handle to release a capsule from the clear display bowl. The capsule drops into the collection chute where the player can retrieve it, open it and discover their prize.
What can we put inside the capsules?
The capsules can contain a wide range of small prizes, promotional items, vouchers or messages. If your giveaway is too large to fit inside the capsule, you can place a winning message, number or voucher inside which can then be exchanged for the larger prize.
Can the Gashapon Machine be token operated?
Yes. The machine can be operated using tokens, making it easy to control the number of plays and prizes distributed during your event.
Tokens can be handed out by your event team, provided after a visitor completes an activity or used as part of a wider promotional campaign.
Can the Gashapon Machine be set to free play?
Yes. The Gashapon can also be used without tokens. Guests simply turn the handle to dispense a capsule, making this a great option when you have a large number of giveaways to distribute.
Can the Gashapon Machine be branded?
Yes. Our Gashapon Machine offers excellent branding opportunities and can be customised with your company logo, brand colours, campaign artwork and promotional messaging.
Can the tokens be branded?
Yes. Bespoke branded tokens can be produced featuring your logo or campaign artwork. These are particularly effective for exhibitions and brand activations where you want to control participation.
Is the Gashapon Machine suitable for exhibitions?
Absolutely. Gashapon Machine Hire is particularly popular for exhibitions because the machine creates curiosity and gives visitors a reason to approach your stand.
The transparent capsule area also means guests can see the capsules inside, helping build excitement around the prizes available.
Is the Gashapon Machine suitable for brand activations?
Yes. The combination of bespoke branding, physical interaction and instant prize distribution makes the Gashapon Machine an excellent choice for experiential marketing and brand activations.
Does everyone receive a prize?
The Gashapon can be configured around your chosen giveaway campaign. For example, every capsule could contain a prize, or capsules could contain different messages, prize levels or winning entries depending on how you want to run your activation.
Can we supply our own prizes?
Yes. Clients can supply their own promotional merchandise and giveaways. Please speak to JM Entertainment beforehand so we can confirm that your chosen items are suitable for the capsules and machine.
How many people can use the Gashapon Machine?
The Gashapon is designed for quick gameplay and can accommodate a high volume of participants, making it particularly useful for busy exhibition stands, shopping centres and promotional activations.
Does the Gashapon Machine have lighting?
Yes. The machine features eye-catching LED lighting which helps make the unit stand out within exhibition halls and event spaces.
Does the Gashapon Machine require power?
Yes. A standard 13-amp electrical supply is required for the machine. Please ensure suitable power is available within your event or exhibition stand.
How much space does the Gashapon Machine require?
The Gashapon has a relatively compact footprint considering its visual impact. Additional space should be allowed in front of the machine for guests to play and queue comfortably.
Does the Gashapon Machine need to be staffed?
The machine is straightforward to operate and can be managed by your own event or exhibition team. Event staffing can also be discussed if you require somebody dedicated to managing the game and guest participation.
Can the Gashapon Machine be used for lead generation?
Yes. The Gashapon works particularly well as part of a lead-generation campaign. For example, visitors could complete a form, scan a QR code, speak to your team or complete another activity before receiving a token to play.
What events is the Gashapon Machine suitable for?
Gashapon Machine Hire is ideal for exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, corporate events, product launches, shopping centre activations, retail promotions, experiential marketing campaigns and brand activations.
Can we hire multiple Gashapon Machines?
Yes. Multiple Gashapon Machines can be supplied subject to availability, making them particularly suitable for roadshows, multi-location campaigns and larger promotional events.
Can you provide Gashapon Machine Hire in London?
Yes. JM Entertainment provides Gashapon Machine Hire for exhibitions, corporate events and brand activations throughout London, including events at major exhibition and conference venues.
Do you provide Gashapon Machine Hire across the UK?
Yes. JM Entertainment provides Gashapon Machine Hire nationwide, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol and other locations throughout the UK.
Do you deliver and install the Gashapon Machine?
Yes. Our team can deliver and professionally install the Gashapon Machine at your venue ready for your event. We will also arrange collection following the agreed hire period.
What access does the Gashapon Machine require?
Step-free access is recommended due to the size of the equipment. If your event is located above or below ground-floor level, please ensure there is a suitable lift available. Please provide JM Entertainment with any door, lift and loading restrictions when making your enquiry.
How do I book a Gashapon Machine?
Contact JM Entertainment with your event date, venue, timings and requirements and our team can provide a quotation for Gashapon Machine Hire. We can also discuss bespoke branding, branded tokens, capsules and additional interactive games for your event.
 | Suitable For Children |  |
 | Suitable For Adults | |
Suitable For
| Indoors on Artificial Grass | |
| Indoors on Hard Surface | |
| Outdoors on Artificial Grass | |
| Outdoors on Concrete | |
| Outdoors on Grass | |
Giant Gumball Machine Branding Options
Turn our Giant Gumball Machine into an eye-catching branded attraction for your company, campaign or event.
Perfect for brand activations, exhibitions, product launches, retail promotions, conferences and corporate events, the Giant Gumball Machine combines interactive entertainment with highly visible custom branding.
All custom branding is professionally printed and applied in-house by the JM Entertainment team.
Our Giant Gumball Machine can be customised with:
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Branded Header Logo Panel – Add your company logo, campaign name or promotional message to the top of the machine for maximum visibility.
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Branded Machine Base – Custom graphics applied to the lower section of the Gumball Machine, ideal for larger logos, campaign artwork, product imagery or promotional messaging.
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Branded Dispensing Area – Incorporate your logo, call-to-action or campaign messaging around the area where guests collect their prize.
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Custom Gumballs / Fill – Depending on your activation, the machine can be filled with suitable items selected to complement your campaign, giveaways or event theme.
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Bespoke Campaign Artwork – We can create artwork around your brand colours, campaign, product launch or event theme to transform the machine into part of your wider activation.
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Full Branding Package – Combine the available branding areas to create a completely customised Giant Gumball Machine experience.
Please use the images within our gallery for examples of previous branding and inspiration.
All temporary event branding is printed, applied and removed after the event in-house by JM Entertainment.
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