What we have just left behind was a busy year which, especially for physical gaming, represented a return to normality, thanks to the end of the limitations due to the pandemic. In many countries, including the United Kingdom the word "change" has become a must, even if the debate on how this should happen still remains open. The reference to the White Paper, which should revise the 2005 Gambling Act and which would consequently regulate public gaming, is clear. But if on the one hand the premises seem more positive than ever, concretely this "wind of change" has yet to arrive. Among the associations representing operators in a delicate sector such as gaming there is undoubtedly Bacta, or the British amusement catering trade association, which since 1974, the year of its birth, has increasingly been a point of reference for the category. What, therefore, will be the involvement of operators in this transformation process? What initiatives will be carried out to improve consumer protection? And above all, will public gaming finally be able to change its skin, thanks to the indications contained in the White Paper? John Bollom, Bacta president, talks about it to Gioco News.
The involvement of Uk gaming operators in the reforms is an important point. Will there be any initiatives through which you will try to involve them also regarding the reform of the Gambling Act?
“Following the publication of the White Paper at the end of April 2023, we have been involved in an extended consultation process with the Government. At November’s Bacta Convention members received a presentation from the Minister responsible for Gambling, the Rt Honourable Stuart Andrew Mp, who was very positive about the land-based gaming industry and the level of engagement that he and his department enjoyed with Bacta. The government has been consistent in its requests for evidence-based arguments and we are constantly surveying our members and using their data to support the case for the industry. We have to be clear that the overwhelming majority of Mps and their advisers know very little about what is quite a complex sector. Those complexities and nuances need to be reflected in the legislation because if they are not, we will end-up with regulations which simply aren’t fit for purpose. The White Paper is a once in a generation opportunity to put in place a progressive framework to enable the industry to compete with other forms of leisure and we cannot allow that opportunity to slip through our fingers.”
Consumer protection is undoubtedly an important aspect. Will there be any initiatives in this regard that you will carry on in 2024?
“Social Responsibility is in the Dna of Bacta Members and the trade association reflects that commitment. Our annual Social Responsibility Exchange is an industry-wide initiative to address safer gambling from a practical perspective. The free to attend forum provides an opportunity for venue staff to share information, share insights and to discuss best practice. We are very conscious of the need to complement the huge body of academic and medical studies into gambling with a tool-kit of practical insights. We also helped fund the UK’s National Safer Gambling week which took place in November and fast forwarding to Eag the Bacta owned trade show which takes place at ExCeL London (16th – 18th January), will feature the Bacta-funded Safer Gambling Hub. The Hub, which is the first of its type dedicated to the low-stake, low-prize street sector, will comprise a total of eight not for profit safer gambling organisations alongside the Uk Gambling Commission. Paul Bellringer Obe, a pioneer of safer gambling who launched GamCare in 1997 has agreed to open the Safer Gambling Hub at Eag said that having the Hub in a prominent position at such a prestigious trade event was a tangible indication that safer gambling is becoming integrated into both industry policy and practice.”
In the light of the changes that have taken place and will take place in the future, do you think British legislation is still a model to follow?
“It’s a fact that every regulated sector will complain about how its regulated and about its regulator and Bacta members are no different! We have always worked to have a positive relationship with the Gambling Commission and at November’s Bacta Convention one of the key note speeches was delivered by the Gambling Commission Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes. Andrew was the first Commission Ceo to attend our Convention for five-years and the tone and content of his presentation was very positive even extending to the Commission wishing to reach out to the industry and bring some machine expertise into the building. I think that the legislation in place with some modifications not least the permission to use modern payment methods on gaming machines could provide a model for other jurisdictions to follow. Clearly any Government will want to be assured that the industry is working hard and diligently to address the very small proportion of consumers who experience problems associated with their gambling. Bacta members have incorporated the safer gambling culture into their every-day life and it’s a fundamental part of what they do.”
The White Paper undoubtedly represents a turning point for gambling legislation in Great Britain. What benefits will operators have from a revision of the gambling act?
“The simple answer is that we won’t know until the recommendations enshrined in the White Paper become law. For the land-based sector we want to see the introduction of modern payment methods on gaming machines and the replacement of the so-called 80/20 rule with a simple 50/50 ratio where the higher stake/higher jackpot B3 machines are matched 1 for 1 with the lower stake/lower jackpot Cat C’s. In relation to the introduction of a Statutory Levy to fund research, education and treatment of problem gamblers, Bacta is calling for the removal of family entertainment centres, operators and suppliers from the levy proposal. Outside of the White Paper proposals we have written to the Secretary of State the Rt Hon Lucy Frazer Kc Mp to advocate an increase in the maximum permitted stakes and prizes to £2.50 stake and £750 prize for B3 and B3A machines and £1.50 stake and £150 prize for Category C.”
In conclusion, what are the operators' expectations related to physical gaming for 2024?
“Everything hinges on the outcome of the White Paper proposals. To continue to support economies and communities the length and breadth of the country the industry has to have the tools and the freedom to be competitive. Bacta will continue to lobby for the industry and fight its corner through the deployment of evidence-based arguments and engagement with politicians.”