The Bacta Convention is one of the key dates in the industry diary and this year’s event features some of the personalities most closely associated with the White Paper – not least the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP who served as Gambling Minister in the last Conservative Government. Bacta members in what’s anticipated to be a capacity audience will be hoping that Mr Andrew will be able to expand on his experience as a Minister and share his insight on the White Paper journey.

Bacta members will receive insight from some of the leading figures involved in the development and progress of the White Paper when they attend the 2024 Bacta Convention which is taking place on 28th November at One Bird Cage Walk, London. 

The Convention keynote is being delivered by the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP who as a member of the last Conservative government was the Minister that announced the Gambling White Paper final recommendations that set out a number of much needed reforms to the industry. In his current role as a key player in Kemi Badenoch’s top team Stuart Andrew heads up the entire Culture, Media and Sport portfolio which involves holding the Government to account on all matters concerning our sector. 

The guest speaker line-up also includes Sarah Fox who in her capacity as the Deputy Director for Gambling and Lotteries in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is a leading Civil Service advisor to Labour’s new Gambling Minister,Baroness Fiona Twycross. Representing the Gambling Commission is Executive Director Tim Miller who is responsible for research, policy development and national strategy for reducing gambling harms. 

Previewing the Convention line-up, George McGregor, Bacta Executive Director (Government Relations) said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP as our keynote speaker. Stuart arguably knows more about the discussions, the debates and the evidence surrounding the White Paper than anyone else on the planet. He will also be able to provide his own analysis surrounding the delay to the White Paper despite it enjoying such a high level of cross-party support.”

He added: “Another respected MP who is well versed in the industry is the Rt Hon Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, who serves as Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Dame Caroline first began her career by setting up a manufacturing company aged just19 where she served as Director for20 years, before entering politics as the Member of Parliament for Gosport in 2010. She went on to serve in a number of ministerial roles, including digital and culture during the pandemic. Since then she has gone on to be a highly respected Chair of the Culture,Media and Sport Committee,having led the review into the Gambling White Paper.”

The Convention will also include a Panel Discussion featuring Kate Nicholls, CEO UK Hospitality,Chris Webb, Labour MP for Blackpool South, Miles Baron, CEO of the Bingo Association and Chris Jones from the editorial team at Coinslot as well as a Question Time session featuring Bacta President John Bollom and members of Bacta’s National Council.