Consumer-facing staff from across the industry came together in Leeds for the sixth edition of the Bacta SR Exchange. The unique free to attend event was sold out with the trade association operating a waiting list. The popularity of the Exchange underscored the central importance the industry places on SR.

The industry’s unstinting commitment to safer gambling, the central importance of staff training and the correlation between good business practices and good businesses were key themes highlighted by Bacta President John Bollom as he opened the sixth Bacta SR Exchange in Leeds on Wednesday (26th March).

The over-subscribed event represented a unique opportunity for consumer-facing staff to share best practice and learn from the experience of colleagues working in businesses operating in different parts of the country.

Underlining the roots of Bacta’s commitment to safer gambling John Bollom told attendees: “Bacta has just celebrated its 50th birthday and throughout all of those 50 years – in every venue, in every part of the United Kingdom – social responsibility has been central to our work. 

“I’m nearing the end of my two years as Bacta President and – as my colleagues will vouch – in every meeting with Government Ministers and with the Gambling Commission I have always said with pride that Bacta venues are the safest places to gamble.”

Underlining the breadth of the industry comprising high street adult gaming centres, seaside family entertainment centres as well as clubs, pubs and motorway service areas Bollom noted: “Our venues offer low-stake gaming entertainment to millions in warm welcoming environments that  give people the chance to have fun with their friends.”

Highlighting the human qualities that sit at the heart of safer gambling Bollom argued: “Our venues are not the safest place to gamble by accident. It is because of people like you, the staff who engage with customers on a day to day basis to ensure no-one enters who is under age, the people who get to know their customers spotting signs that something may be awry, who step in early to offer support and those who point the very small number of people who may have a problem in the right direction.

“The Bacta Social Responsibility Exchange is a chance for you to listen to some excellent speakers, to share experiences with others who work in venues, and to learn about current best practice.”

SR Exchange organiser Elizabeth Speed, Group General Counsel at Novomatic UK and the Chair of Bacta’s Social Responsibility Committee added: “For most people, gambling is fun. It makes up an integral part of the UK’s entertainment, hospitality and leisure sector.

“As an industry, it’s our ambition to offer this pastime to all of those who enjoy it, but in doing so, to protect those who may be vulnerable to harm from gambling.”

Welcoming Bryony Sheldon from the Gambling Commission she said: “The Commission’s mission to make gambling ‘fairer and safer’ is an objective our sector wholeheartedly gets behind and today’s event certainly furthers that ambition.

“It is a testament to the progress we as an industry have made in placing social responsibility at the centre of our operations, that Bacta has such a productive relationship with our regulator.

“I am also very pleased to say that we have Rob Mabbett here today, Director at BetterChange Bacta has a longstanding friendship with BetterChange, who do a fantastic job of engaging with our industry to help operators promote positive and safe play.”

Describing the Exchange as being a safe space to speak with confidence she added: “The SR Exchange today is about you. So let’s learn together and share  the fantastic work we do as an industry to incorporate social responsibility into all that we do.Sharing experiences, and the variation in the approaches that you take, are what has made this event a success in the past – and what will make it a success again this year.

“I am very proud that Bacta hosts this exchange – which to my knowledge is a unique  trade association offering to members in our industry.”

A full report on the 2025 Bacta SR Exchange will appear in next week’s edition of Coinslot