With workshops led by an impressive speaker roster, the Gambling Buisiness Group’s High Street Hub at this month’s ARE EXpo 2025 promises to equip operators with the tools and insights to navigate evolving regulations while continuing to deliver innovative and responsible gaming experiences.
The Gambling Business Group has confirmed the schedule for its High Street Hub on the opening day of the upcoming ARE Expo on Tuesday 29 April. The hub will host expert-let workshops and panels focused on compliance, innovation, and player protection.
The first session begins at 11:00am with a hands-on workshop on customer interaction led by Kirsty Caldwell, CEO of Betsmart Consulting and a member of the Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum.
With her experience and leadership in compliance and AML services, Caldwell will provide vital insight into navigating customer interaction obligations, which is especially relevant “in light of the recent AGC fine which was driven by failing of customer interaction processes” and also the concerns raised about AGC’s in the Minister’s recent letter about the next steps for the Gambling Act Review.
At 12:00pm, the GBG Workshop focus shifts to ‘Positive Play’ with a session titled “How Doing the Right Thing Should Be Profitable”. Better Change’s engagement director Rob Mabbett and head of strategic partnerships David Richardson will explore how operators can embrace safer gambling practices without compromising commercial performance.
The 1:00pm session on the High Street Hub will spotlight the latest in age verification, where Andrew O’Brien, head of biometrics at Innovative Technology, will be joined by Obi Udanoh, senior business development Manager at the Age Check Certification Scheme. Together, they will demonstrate how facial recognition, on-machine ID checks, and digital ID verification can support compliance and protect minors, while also improving customer experience and trust.
At 2:00pm, the Gambling Business Group’s roster turns its attention to Martyn’s Law – the forthcoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act which recently received Royal Assent. This session will be led by Piers Warne, associate in the licensing team at TLT, Craig Murray, director of national accounts at Link Integrated, and Richard Dutton, managing director of the ELIAS Partnership. The trio will outline how the legislation affects gambling venues and discuss how privacy-preserving biometrics and facial recognition can be integrated to meet new legal and security requirements.
Charlotte Meller, General Manager at GBG, said: “This is a pivotal time for the industry as the Gambling Act Review enters its final stages. Compliance and safe gambling are going to be the cornerstones of the Government’s vision for reform and our opening day sessions at ARE are aimed at explaining how the industry can navigate their way through the requirements, effectively and affordably.”
