George McGregor, executive director of Bacta, called for an urgent review of machine stakes and prizes at Thursday’s Annual Convention, while emphasising the importance of implementing White Paper proposals and ensuring a balanced approach in the Gambling Commission’s review of technical standards. Addressing stakeholders in Westminster’s One Birdcage Walk, McGregor highlighted the industry’s challenges and outlined steps necessary for growth.

The White Paper, published in April last year, is seen by McGregor as a cornerstone for the sector’s future. Its recommendations, which include the modernisation of machine ratios in AGCs and the introduction of cashless play with player protections, have been welcomed across the industry – but progress has been halted by a snap general election and political change. To a crowd that included both government and regulator representatives, McGregor stressed the importance of swift action.

“We have urged [the new Minister] to make rapid progress in implementing the full package of reforms – to end the uncertainty in our sector and allow us to move forward,” he stated. “We look forward to her decisions in the weeks and months ahead and to the green lighting of reform.”

Another pressing issue is the stagnation of machine stakes and prizes, which have long failed to keep pace with rising costs and inflation. The last increases for key gaming machine categories occurred over a decade ago, explained McGregor, leaving operators struggling to compete. 

“There is a need to see progress on this issue, and we have formally requested of Government a review of stakes and prizes to begin the conversation about the new and appropriate levels,” detailed McGregor, noting the negative impact this freeze has had on pubs and other venues reliant on gaming machines. “We really need action now,” 

The ongoing review of technical standards has also sparked concern, particularly over proposals that could retroactively render thousands of gaming machines obsolete. McGregor described the pre-consultation process as a mixed experience but expressed optimism about ongoing dialogue. 

“We look forward to continuing to engage with the Commission to ensure a sensible package of changes emerges which is evidence-based, proportionate, reasonable, feasible, and does not cause undue harm on the industry,” he said.

As the industry awaits progress on these pivotal issues, McGregor’s call for action underscores the sector’s urgent need for clarity and modernisation to secure its future.