Summary:
- Bacta CEO John White will meet with the Culture Media and Sport Committee on July 11
- He will discuss how the White Paper measures could impact operations within the land-based gaming industry
- The Committee is expected to hear from other industry bodies in the UK
UK gambling trade body Bacta will discuss with the Parliament the potential impact of the Gambling Act Review White Paper recommendations on the land-based gaming industry.
On July 11, Bacta Chief Executive John White will attend a meeting of the Culture Media and Sport Committee to share the findings of their initial research programme regarding key reform proposals laid out in the White Paper, including the introduction of modern payment methods, the 50/50 machine ratio, and the implementation of a statutory levy.
Bacta CEO to Share Findings of White Paper Research Programme
White revealed that the research programme was carried out shortly after the publication of the White Paper and involved a series of consultations with Bacta members. In particular, White will share with the Committee how the White Paper recommendations will affect employment levels, the sector’s support for local economies, and inward investment.
The Gambling Act Review, launched in December 2020 and published in April 2023, focused on a number of key issues, including protection for children and young adults. In this regard, the government will legislate to increase the minimum age to play cash-payout Category D slot machines, which often operate at amusement arcades, to 18 years.
Bacta members already agreed to voluntarily prevent under-18s from playing Category D cash-payout fruit machines. The measure took effect in March 2021 following amendments to Bacta’s Voluntary Code. This requirement will be further strengthened with the implementation of the White Paper recommendations.
Apart from White, representatives from other industry bodies, such as the Lotteries Council, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), are also expected to provide evidence to the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee on the implications of the proposed gambling reforms.
This is part of a consultation process with industry stakeholders which must be carried out before the White Paper recommendations are fully implemented. The cross-party committee is headed by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP of the Conservative Party.
What does Bacta do?
Bacta is the trade body representing amusements and high-street gaming manufacturers and operators in the UK. It covers the entire amusement machine supply chain in the UK, and its members include operators of family entertainment centers and adult gaming centers, as well as bingo halls, and pubs.
