Gambling Minister, Stuart Andrew MP (pictured), has reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to publish its proposals for gambling reform by January 2024 with implementation scheduled for the summer.
Addressing the Bacta Annual Convention today at London’s County Hall, the MP told an audience of over 200 members that it is “absolutely our ambition to stick to the published timetable” and that he was personally determined to “crack on.”
In a far-reaching presentation and Q&A he implored Bacta members to engage with their constituency MPs.
In answer to a question from member Jeremy Godden about awareness levels of the industry among his parliamentary colleagues he said: “Please invite MPs to your venues. It’s invaluable, it really is, and will help in the process ahead of legislation.”
Martin Burlin, chairman of UK trade show EAG Expo, questioned why the government was doing nothing to address the social problems related to loot boxes in video games which he described as being the biggest issue impacting children, stating that it was an “egregious misstep” not to have addressed loot boxes in the white paper.
The minister confirmed that the government has been talking with the home-based video gaming industry and had given the sector 12 months to propose a route forward and would consider all options.
Mr Andrew paid tribute to the work of his predecessor Paul Scully before recognising the importance of the land-based sector which he confirmed played a key role in helping to support the high street and numerous communities the length and breadth of the country.
He personally thanked Bacta for providing the necessary evidence during the white paper consultations, adding that it was as a result of the process that the reforms would enable regulation to be fit for the future while providing protection for the small number of people who suffer gambling related harm.
In his keynote presentation Bacta chief executive John White paid tribute to the team at Bacta House for their work delivering the Convention and their dedication supporting the industry throughout the year.
Reflecting on the last 12 months he said: “What a year we’ve had and what a year we have to come!”
On the topic of machine ratios and the proposal to move from the 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 proposition simple, stating that the 50/50 ratio is both “positive and uncontentious.”
He said that it was “inconceivable” that the British public is prevented from playing gambling machines using any means other than cash. He questioned how it could be “that a fruit machine be the only piece of equipment in a premises where consumers cannot use debit cards?”
The MP noted that Bacta members’ commitment to safer gambling made him extremely proud and that the genuine and impactful methods that had been introduced had played a major role in helping to reduce problem gambling to its record low levels.
The Bacta Convention featured a stellar list of speakers including Philip Davies MP, Andrew Rhodes, CEO Gambling Commission, Kate Nicholls CEO UKHospitality and Miles Baron CEO Bingo Association.