The Gambling Commission’s review represents an egregious threat to Adult Gaming Centres with operators facing huge costs to comply with proposals which will force some businesses to pull down the shutters for good. Bacta has been focussed on formulating a detailed evidence-based response and will be sharing its insight with members on a webinar taking place next Wednesday.
Bacta members are being encouraged in the strongest possible terms to participate in a webinar which will explain in detail the trade association’s response to the Gambling Commission’s consultation on Technical Standards. The webinar which will feature contributions from leading industry and Bacta figures including Tony Boulton, Alan Claypole, John Bollom, Joseph Cullis and George McGregor is taking place Wednesday 21 May at 12 noon.
Previewing the webinar, which will include advice to members on how best to respond to the Gambling Commission’s consultation exercise which has an extended deadline of 3rd June, Bacta Vice President Joseph Cullis said: “The Commission’s proposed changes to Technical Standards represents an existential threat to the industry and I would strongly urge members to clear their diaries in order to participate in Wednesday’s webinar.”
Dealing with specifics contained with the proposed changes he stated: “The Gambling Commission proposal that would require every Category B gaming machine to adhere to new technical standards irrespective of the age of the machine or its ability to receive software updates is likely to result in many units being junked with operators facing a huge bill to acquire replacements.
“The research that we have undertaken confirms that the huge spike in costs would put some operators out of business with disastrous consequences for employees as well as for local economies based at both the seaside and on the high street.” He added: “To complement our own body of evidence we have commissioned external specialist agencies including the respected economic consultancy CEBR to quantify the overall costs to the industry. In addition, the consumer research consultancy Chrysalis has been testing the appetite machine plyers have for the changes that are being proposed.”
“On a positive note, the Commission has confirmed that it will look seriously at the evidence that we are presenting and that it is prepared to consider alternative proposals. The webinar is an opportunity for Bacta to share the evidence that we have been gathering in order to promote and protect members businesses.”
