A call for a new umbrella organisation for the UK gambling industry comes from the president of BACTA, the trade association, at its convention today.
Steve Hawkins wants a body representing all of the diverse interests in the UK gambling industry to come together “with one voice” to address the challenges of the business.
Hawkins pointed to the success of the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling, which presented a united industry in the sphere of social responsibility. He wants that to be mirrored by an organisation to handle “broad cross-cutting issues, providing a single voice on the business issues of the day.”
He added: “The last thing we need is three industry bodies, alongside sector trade bodies, all saying similar or in some case dissimilar things. This would be a recipe for inaction and would be counterproductive.”
Recently rejoined BACTA as chief executive, John White outlined to the 200-plus industry representatives at the Convention a strategic vision for the long-term direction of the amusement sector. In a wide-ranging speech, White listed the values he saw as essential in underpinning the industry and from which a new relationship could be developed by all parties, including the Gambling Commission.
White listed the values as “ethical, sustainable, modern, professional, partnering, open and transparent,” and he said that their adoption would help change the style and substance of the industry. He called upon the Gambling Commission and government legislators to play their part, particularly in ironing out inconsistencies that needed addressing.
Those inconsistencies were alluded to by association vice president Jason Frost in his address, during which he called upon industry regulators and government to “urgently remove the discrimination and disparity undermining many high street businesses in the amusement sector.” He highlighted the situation where one type of gaming machine was permitted in one adult age-controlled environment and not in another. “This is simply not fair, nor morally right.”
Association head of compliance, Phil Silver, was due to outline BACTA policy seeking an independent age verification scheme through the UK Accreditation Service, to improve the image and performance of the amusement industry.
The association took the opportunity to introduce its new head of communications, Simon Storer (pictured), who has 30 years’ experience of public affairs and communications. He previously held a similar post in the construction industry.
