The British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA) Annual Convention recently concluded, bringing together key stakeholders in the gambling industry to discuss pressing issues, regulatory changes, and future directions. This year’s convention was particularly significant, set against major regulatory shifts and economic challenges.
Regulatory Landscape and Industry Challenges
The BACTA annual convention opened amidst significant regulatory developments. These include the introduction of a statutory levy on gambling operators, proposed stake limits for online slot games, increases in National Insurance Contributions and minimum wage, and concerns over inheritance tax affecting family-run businesses. These changes have sparked widespread concern across the industry regarding their financial and operational implications.
Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, delivered a keynote speech emphasising the importance of collaboration between regulators and operators.
He called for strengthened relationships between the Commission and industry stakeholders, emphasising cooperation to achieve quicker progress in raising standards. Miller acknowledged the industry’s progress in addressing severe harm cases and stressed the need for open discussion and debate on the best way forward.
Focus on Compliance and Best Practices
Miller highlighted the Commission’s recent compliance work in the Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) sector. He emphasised the importance of customer interaction in identifying and managing gambling-related harm.
Key indicators for identifying at-risk customers include time spent, spending patterns, and behavioural changes. Miller stressed the need for meaningful interactions beyond customer service chats and emphasised the importance of staff training and support in meeting compliance responsibilities. He also highlighted the critical role of evaluation in ensuring the effectiveness of customer interaction approaches.
The speech also touched on the importance of robust AML practices. Miller stressed the need for up-to-date risk assessments informing policies and procedures, as well as the importance of staff training in identifying and addressing AML risks. He announced upcoming education workshops on AML compliance to support the industry in this area.
At the BACTA Annual Convention, Tim Miller stressed the importance of offering accessible, regulated gambling options. This aligns with the rise of online casinos with £10 minimum deposits, which provide a lower financial barrier for players while ensuring a responsible and safe gambling experience.
Moreover, Miller provided updates on reforms implemented by the Gambling Act Review. Recent changes include extended requirements for test purchasing and implementation of “Think 25” age verification approaches. He mentioned upcoming rule changes to ensure fairness, transparency, and safer gambling, as well as future consultations on topics such as game machine technical standards.
Miller outlined several key areas of upcoming work:
- Rule changes to ensure fairness and transparency to customers and to make gambling safer through various measures.
- Publication of consultation responses on topics such as incentives, consumer empowerment, transparency of fund protection, and removal of obsolete requirements due to the statutory levy.
- Upcoming consultations, including one on Game Machine Technical Standards, with a significant milestone being the publication of the consultation in early 2025.
Industry Response and Concerns
Industry leaders expressed their concerns during the convention. Tim Batstone, CEO of HB Leisure and former Bacta President, voiced depression over government changes affecting family businesses. He highlighted the challenges posed by inheritance tax changes, minimum wage increases, and National Insurance hikes, stating these measures are costing his business three-quarters of a million pounds.
Batstone’s comments resonated with many delegates, who echoed his concerns about the future of family-owned businesses and the lack of progress in modernising the sector. There were calls for government support to ensure the sustainability of businesses in seaside towns and local economies.
The BACTA Annual Convention highlighted the gambling industry’s current flux, caught between regulatory pressures and economic challenges. Tim Miller’s speech underscored the Gambling Commission’s commitment to collaboration with industry stakeholders while maintaining a firm stance on compliance and consumer protection.
As the industry navigates these changes, the rise of online casinos with minimum deposits represents an interesting development. These platforms could offer a middle ground, providing greater accessibility while aligning with regulatory goals for safer gambling.
The coming year will be crucial as the industry adapts to new regulations, with success likely hinging on the ability of operators and regulators to work together effectively. The emphasis on compliance, consumer protection, and innovative approaches to gambling will continue to shape both traditional and online sectors in the iGaming industry.
