It’s been a year of tumult for Joseph Cullis who probably didn’t expect such a rocky road for the industry when he assumed the Bacta presidency. But he took up the challenge and, deservedly so, was able to deliver a speech to the Bacta Convention that was both typically modest but packed with messages of progress and challenges that the trade body must move forward with. A man with long established familial depth in the industry, Cullis held on to the ultimate family tradition – pay huge tribute to all your
colleagues and business associates, and fully respect those on the other side of the table. He didn’t leave anything or anyone out – and he didn’t bask in the glory. The industry has an important job to do, he said. Push on. And the agenda he outlined was both busy and progressive.It was a good Convention for Cullis, not that he’d actually consider that: for him, it was a good convention for the Bacta membership.
As we bring this year’s Bacta Convention to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have heard today, what the last 24 hours have meant for our sector, and what lies ahead.
It has been an important day for us. We have had serious discussions, honest conversations and, crucially, a real sense of unity about where we go next.
I want to start with the news that has shaped the tone of this room today. The Government’s decision to freeze Machine Games Duty is the right one.
It is a decision that protects businesses, safeguards jobs and provides a foundation of stability at a time when many of our members are facing rising costs on all sides.
It also reflects the strength of the case we have made together. From operators who wrote to MPs, to members who welcomed parliamentarians into their venues, to those who contributed data, evidence and testimony, this outcome belongs to all of you.
I want to place on record our thanks to DCMS officials and to the Minister. They have engaged seriously with our concerns, made representations on our behalf, and taken the time to understand the very real pressures this sector has been under. Their support has mattered and it has been noticed by our members.
But a single decision, even a very welcome one, does not remove the challenges ahead. The wider economic backdrop remains difficult. Costs continue to rise and for some operators the margins are still incredibly tight.
What today has shown is that this industry is resilient, clear headed and determined. We do not panic and we do not overstate. We look at the facts, we engage constructively and we work together to find solutions. That approach has served us well this week and it will continue to guide us through 2026.
I also want to return to a point that has been at the centre of my presidency. Our commitment to social responsibility. Over the last year we have taken the most significant steps in a generation to strengthen self exclusion, improve consistency across venues and raise the baseline of training and accountability across the whole membership.
The Self Exclusion Action Plan is the most comprehensive voluntary package ever introduced by a land based gambling association in the UK. It is practical, detailed and measurable. It includes mandatory training for all new staff, annual refreshers, enhanced venue visibility, stronger governance and a clear expectation on what good looks like.
The roll out has already begun, supported by our Member Support Officers whose work this year has been exceptional. Their workshops, site visits and hands on guidance have raised standards across the country and I want to thank them directly. Their efforts have been vital in driving this change.
This is the type of leadership regulators and Ministers expect from us. And it is the type of leadership our members are proud to deliver. But we must also be honest that this work relies on business viability. You cannot invest in training if you are struggling to keep the lights on. You cannot adopt new systems if margins are shrinking. You cannot protect staff and customers if venues are under threat. Social responsibility and economic sustainability are not opposing forces. They are inseparable. Yesterday’s MGD announcement recognises that reality.
One of the reasons I remain confident about where we go from here is the quality of engagement we have had from government and the Gambling Commission. They have listened, they have understood the work our members have done this year and they recognise the value that Bacta brings as a partner. We will continue to build on these relationships and continue to present evidence that is clear, detailed and rooted in the reality of what happens in our venues.
Looking ahead, the policy agenda for 2026 is full. We have the Category D and bingo consultations, likely followed by the long awaited 80 20 consultation. We expect further progress on cashless systems, continued work on stakes and prizes and the possible introduction of the Gambling Ombudsman. These will require calm, constructive engagement and that is exactly how we will approach them. We have credibility because we provide solutions, not slogans. We will continue to play our part in that spirit.
But Bacta cannot do this without you. Member engagement has never been more important. The reason Ministers understood the risks of a rise in MGD is because they saw the sector for themselves. They saw the jobs, the investment, the footfall and the community contribution. So I want every member, whether you operate a single site or a nationwide estate, to continue opening your doors to MPs and councils. When they see what you do, they understand us. And when they understand us, they support us.
I also want to thank the people at the heart of this organisation. Our Bacta staff who have worked tirelessly this year in a period of relentless pressure. Their professionalism and commitment have been outstanding.
I want to give particular thanks to Robert Gibb. He holds the fort every day, often quietly, often unseen, but never without absolute commitment to members. His contribution this year has been immense.
I also want to thank John, my predecessor, for the leadership he showed and the stability he provided through some very difficult years. And I want to thank our Vice President, Jeremy, for his partnership, his judgement and his support. Also, my thanks to National Council, past and present. This new Bacta model, which all of you helped shape, has proven itself this year. It is streamlined, agile and able to respond quickly to change. We could not have run this MGD campaign under the old structure. The new model is faster, clearer and much more effective, and that has made a real difference to outcomes.
I’d like to thank my right hand man, Allaster Gair. He has been a fantastic addition to the Bacta team and his support and dedication over the last 5 months has been immeasurable. Thank you Allaster.
I also want to thank the entire EAG team for everything they do. Their work delivers one of the most important events in our calendar and sets the tone for the year ahead. We are looking forward to being there in January and to showcasing the strength and innovation of our sector.
Finally, I want to take a moment to recognise the work of the Bacta Charitable Trust. It is one of the most meaningful parts of who we are as an industry and something that often goes under the radar. Through the Trust, our members support organisations that make a real difference to families and young people across the UK. Our long-standing partnerships with Rays of Sunshine and Little Lifts are examples we should be proud of. They show that our sector is rooted in its communities and willing to give practical help to those who need it most. The generosity of members throughout the year speaks volumes about the character of this industry and the values we share.
Before I finish, I want to return to our theme today: playing our part. That means taking responsibility for standards. It means working collaboratively with government. It means giving our communities safe, well run venues. It means being open about the pressures but focused on solutions. And it also means being confident in the value we bring. Our venues are part of the fabric of British towns and seaside destinations. They provide jobs, tourism, investment and social connection. That contribution is real, and it matters.
So as we close today, let me be clear about the road ahead. We will respond constructively to the decisions made this week. We will continue to push for the reforms that support growth. We will deliver the self exclusion reforms we have committed to. We will keep raising standards. We will strengthen our relationships with Ministers, MPs and the Gambling Commission. And we will represent your interests with clarity and determination.
I am proud to be President of this association. I am proud of the work our members do. And with the stability offered by yesterday’s decision, I am confident that our sector can face the year ahead with resilience, purpose and unity.
Thank you all for your contributions today. And thank you for everything you do for this industry. Safe journey home.
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Joseph Cullis said……. “The Government’s decision to freeze Machine Games Duty is the right one. It is a decision that protects businesses, safeguards jobs and provides a foundation of stability at a time when many of our members are facing rising costs on all sides……
Originally published on Coinslot on December 1, 2025. Republished with permission.