True to its word, Bacta has followed-up with its commitment to engage with Baroness Twycross following the Gambling Minister’s April confirmation that resolving the 80/20 issue is not a policy priority. The Bacta party met with the Baroness armed with evidence of the industry’s commitments to player protection and an open invitation to attend an Adult Gaming Centre.
A senior Bacta delegation comprising President John Bollom, Vice President Joseph Cullis and National Council member Elizabeth Speed has met with Gambling Minister, Baroness Twycross to underline the industry’s steadfast commitment to player protection and discuss progress on the gambling reforms that were included in the white paper.
In a letter sent to Bacta dated April 3rd Baroness Twycross had set out her policy priorities which included notification of a delay in resolving the 80/20 issue, a key modernising proposal contained in the Gambling White Paper and one which Bacta has demonstrated will help stimulate growth in the sector and in the process contribute to the government’s growth agenda.
Wednesday’s meeting which was held at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport offices in Parliament Street, London was the first opportunity Bacta has had to meet with the Minister since receiving April’s notification.
John Bollom noted: “We were able to communicate the disappointment of members at the news that machine ratio changes will not be introduced this year. We also reiterated the open invitation that exists for her to visit an Adult Gaming Centre, meet with venue staff, chat with machine players and experience the dynamics of the sector for herself.
“The meeting allowed us to explain that the high standards of regulatory compliance in the sector and a recognition that good practice is essential for good business make AGCs arguably the safest places to experience low stake, low prize gambling entertainment. Venue staff often build a relationship with regular customers, many of whom see AGCs as a vital part of their social life – a place to meet with friends and have fun, enjoying complimentary refreshments in a safe, clean environment.”
“Elizabeth Speed in her role as chair of Bacta’s Social Responsibility Committee, provided the Minister with an update on the industry’s commitment to player protection and the undertakings made by the trade association including the Social Responsibility Code of Conduct and the highly successful SR Exchange which brought together a capacity audience of consumer-facing venue staff was held in March in Leeds.
“It’s vital that the Gambling Minister has a balanced and accurate perspective on the industry and I was delighted that Bacta was able to meet with her and address issues which may be causing confusion or concern. We remain committed to working with the Minister and her officials and to continue to provide the evidence requested of our socially responsible and safer gambling practices.”
