The summer season is the perfect opportunity to showcase the industry in action and what better place than Blackpool, the country’s most visited seaside resort, to do exactly that? Bacta National President Joseph Cullis and Director of Communications Allaster Gair headed to the Fylde peninsula alongside Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes to witness the industry at work.
Bacta’s summer engagement programme continued at pace this week as President Joseph Cullis and Director of Communications Allaster Gair welcomed Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes to Blackpool.
The nation’s most visited seaside resort, attracting over 20 million visitors annually and contributing £1.98bn to the local economy, provided the backdrop for wide-ranging discussions. Topics included potential amendments to the 80/20 rule, the need to review stake and prize levels for Category D machines, developments in self-exclusion provision, and the complexities surrounding proposed changes to technical standards.
Reflecting on the discussions, Joseph Cullis said: “Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Andrew for taking the time to meet with myself, Allaster, and some of our Blackpool-based members at their place of work.
“I was very keen to showcase the industry in action and Blackpool did not disappoint. The weather was balmy, the town was packed with families, and the venues that we visited – including the North Pier, the Central Pier and Blackpool Amusements, Crown Leisure’s latest FEC – reflected the professionalism, the commitment to social responsibility and the vibrancy of the experience that underpins the amusements and low-stake gaming entertainment sectors.”
Turning his attention to the economic contributions made by the sector he added: “Blackpool is the UK’s most visited seaside resort, supporting over 23,000 full-time tourism and hospitality jobs – a 5.3 percent year-on-year increase. Bacta members have long been part of that success, but continued growth depends on having the right regulatory conditions and the confidence to innovate and invest.”
He added: “As the voice of the land-based sector it’s critical that Bacta enjoys an open and progressive relationship with the regulator. This was my first meeting with Andrew since becoming Bacta President. I am delighted that we agree on many of the key issues of the day and I look forward to continuing a positive dialogue.”
Bacta is using the summer recess to step up engagement with MPs and key stakeholders, demonstrating the sector’s value to resort economies like Blackpool. This momentum will carry into Party Conference season, where Bacta will have a high-profile presence – including hosting a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.
