The UK's Gambling Minister, the Hon. Stuart Andrew, set out his plans to modernize the traditional low-stakes gambling sector in his speech at the 2023 Convention organized by British trade association bacta.
Addressing a record attendance of bacta members, the Minister said the UK Government recognized the significant economic contribution the low-stakes gaming sector makes to the national economy and local communities, both inland and on the coast.
Confirming the government's appreciation for the issues facing the sector, he told attendees: “I recognize the business challenges you are facing and believe that the modernization measures we are taking will help support the transition to a brighter future. Many of you here today will want to understand the progress we have made on the traditional gambling proposals set out in the White Paper".
Responding to a question regarding the Government's failure to include Loot Boxes in the White Paper, the Minister said that the Government had spoken to the home video games industry and given the sector 12 months to propose a way forward and that will consider all options.
In his keynote presentation, bacta CEO John White paid tribute to the bacta team for their work at the convention and their dedication to supporting the industry throughout the year. Reflecting on the last 12 months he said: “What a year we have had and what a year we have to come!"
On machine ratios and the proposal to move from the current 80/20 rule to 50/50 in relation to the proportion of category B3 machines to category C, he implored the Government to keep the proposal simple, saying that the ratio 50/50 is both “positive and controversial".
Referring to the importance of contactless payments, he argued that it was “inconceivable” that the British public would be prevented from playing gaming machines using any means other than cash and questioned “How can a gaming machine be the only piece of equipment in a venue where consumers can't use debit cards?"
John Bollom, national president of bacta, said he was very satisfied with the convention which attracted the largest participation ever. He stated: “While there is still much work to do, I believe bacta's reputation as a trusted resource for both the regulator and the legislator is solidifying, and is something I will seek to build on during my presidency".
As well as the Minister, the 2023 bacta Annual Convention was also attended by Phillip Davies MP, Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, Kate Nicholls OBE, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, Miles Barron, Chief Executive of the Bingo Association and Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the BGC.
