For as long as I can remember, land-based gambling venues have been a part of my life.

From early childhood when my family ran an AGC and FEC in Ayrshire, to now, as I step into the role of Bacta President – while proudly owning the family businesses my great grandfather founded in the 1960s. 

I know firsthand the positive contribution our industry makes to communities up and down the UK, offering a low-cost form of entertainment at a time when people need it the most. 

For many customers, it’s not just about spinning to win. The interactions they have with the staff in venues make up an integral part of their social life. They develop meaningful relationships, knowing that staff are friendly, consistent faces, who are there to look out for them – should they need it. 

At their core, AGCs and FECs are inclusive, and Bacta member venues welcome customers from every walk of life. Over time, AGCs and FECs become reflections of the communities they serve. They are hubs where people can unwind and have fun in a safe and alcohol-free environment. 

In addition to community benefits, I know from my own experience that AGCs and FECs are the quiet powerhouses of local economies. Operating as bricks-and-mortar venues, they are creating jobs, enhancing footfall, contributing to the regeneration of high streets and revitalising coastal communities at a time when others are choosing to turn away. 

And, unlike online businesses, Bacta members experience every day the high costs of operating in UK towns and cities: from local expenses, business rates, sky high energy bills, Machine Games Duty, and standard corporation tax. They are taking on considerable risk and ‘cost of doing business’ to invest in their local area and play their part in the local community. 

What makes our members popular is that AGCs and FECs are amongst the safest places to gamble, with experienced staff trained to recognise the signs of harm and step in when support is needed, with the vast majority of customers enjoying the games in our venues responsibly.  

Nonetheless, we know that there are instances where despite all measures taken, a small number of customers experience a problem with gambling and have occasionally slipped through the safety net. As I step into my role as Bacta President, I want to make clear that my absolute, number one priority is maintaining, and improving, our industry’s commitments to player safety. This is not a responsibility I take lightly, and I know I have a big challenge ahead of me. 

Bacta membership ranges from local family businesses to global gaming and entertainment groups. Finding a one size fits all solution to maintaining player safety  standards is never going to happen overnight. Yet, for me, collaboration is key, and I am absolutely determined to work alongside the necessary industry bodies and interested parties to make our industry safer than it has ever been without taking away the fun that customers enjoy. 

If we get this right, it will help reinforce the positive impact we bring as local entertainment. Despite our role on high streets, despite our role in local economies and communities, and despite our continuing endeavour to improve player safety – for too long, our industry has been undermined due to snobbery. 

As my era of Presidency begins, I am determined to use my tenure to celebrate and protect our members. Our industry brings immense value to the UK, and we will work together to ensure that our venues can be enjoyed as community hubs, that fuel local economies, and put player safety at the core of operations. This is all about playing our part.