Bacta has organised a networking drinks reception in central London following the cancellation of its Parliamentary Reception due to planned strike action.
In a communication with members, President Joseph Cullis said: “Our Parliamentary Reception on Wednesday 26th November cannot go ahead due to planned strike action affecting access to the Parliamentary Estate.
“I know that many members will already be in London that evening, so rather than cancel the occasion entirely, I am pleased to confirm an alternative drinks reception will take place nearby at The Old Star, 66 Broadway, Westminster SW1H 0DB.
He confirmed: “We will be providing drinks and food throughout the evening, and the event will follow the same relaxed format as originally planned. It will also be a good opportunity for members to catch up informally ahead of Convention and to hear the latest from the Autumn Budget. If you were planning to attend the Parliamentary Reception, we would be delighted to welcome you to this alternative gathering instead at the historic Old Star pub which is located opposite St James’s Park tube station.”
Looking ahead to the Convention, Phil Burke, Managing Director of event co-sponsors Novomatic Gaming UK, said: “The timing of this year’s Convention, the day after the Autumn Budget, means we’re likely to see an immediate reaction to, and therefore understanding of the implications of, the changes that will impact the sector. There is unquestionably pent-up demand caused by the current uncertainty and a budget that releases this would undoubtedly lead to more jobs and investment in towns and cities across the UK.”
With registration taking place from 0930 to 1000, Convention will be opened by Bacta Vice-President Jeremy Godden with the Gambling Minister, Baroness Twycross presenting her key note at 10.15am. Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission is scheduled to address Bacta members at 1315.
The first of two panel discussions featuring Elizabeth Speed (Novomatic Group UK), Rob Mabbett (BetterChange), Craig Morgan (CAM Consulting) and Victoria Corbishley (GamCare) will run from 1100 to 1200 with the second, comprising Peter Davies (Inspired Entertainment, Bacta Gaming Council Chair), James Miller (Summertime Leisure, Bacta Amusement Council Chair), Jeremy Godden (Godden Gaming, Vice-President, Bacta) and Tony Boulton (Merkur Group UK) opening at 1400. Both panels will be moderated by Coinslot’s Chris Jones. The 2025 Bacta Convention will be closed by Bacta President Joseph Cullis
Bacta Convention Agenda
9:30-10:00 Registration
10:00-10:15 Opening – Jeremy Godden (Vice-President, Bacta)
10:15-10:35 Baroness Twycross (Minister for Gambling, DCMS)
10:35-11:00 Teddy Ryan (Managing Director, Anacta)
11:00-12:00 Panel Discussion with Elizabeth Speed (Novomatic Group UK), Rob Mabbett (BetterChange), Craig Morgan (CAM Consulting), Victoria Corbishley (GamCare)
12:15-13:00 Lunch
13:00-13:15 James Clothier (Head of Crisis, Grayling)
13:15-13:45 Andrew Rhodes (CEO, Gambling Commission)
13:45-14:00 Allaster Gair (Director of Communications, Bacta)
14:00-14:45. Panel Discussion with Peter Davies (Inspired Entertainment, Bacta Gaming Council Chair), James Miller (Summertime Leisure, Bacta Amusement Council Chair), Jeremy Godden (Godden Gaming, Vice-President, Bacta), Tony Boulton (Merkur Group UK)
14:45-15:00 Closing – Joseph Cullis (President, Bacta)
Phil Burke Managing Director NOVOMATIC GAMING UK LIMITED
Rachel Reeves
“The Annual Convention offers an indispensable and unique opportunity for stakeholders across the industry to come together and share their opinions, individual viewpoints and knowledge; we work in a wide and varied sector of the entertainment industry, with an equally wide and varied collection of challenges.
The Convention provides a forum for members, the regulator and policy makers to gain a greater understanding of the challenges industry faces and to facilitate a deeper understanding of the work that goes into making our industry a fun, exciting but safe sector of the wider entertainment business.
The timing of this year’s Convention, the day after the Autumn Budget, means we’re likely to see an immediate reaction to, and therefore understanding of the implications of, the changes that will impact the sector.
Whatever the outcome of the budget, it will be a critical point for the industry. Hopefully the data provided on the negative impact any rise in MGD will have on jobs, investment in our High Streets, manufacturing and indeed on the net revenue generated for the Treasury will have been received and understood.
There is unquestionably pent-up demand caused by the current uncertainty and a budget that releases this would undoubtedly lead to more jobs and investment in towns and cities across the UK. The alternative is potentially catastrophic for an industry that is part of the fabric of life in communities across the country.”
Phil Burke
Rob Wheeler Managing Director RBW Systems
“The Bacta Convention is an important date in the calendar where the industry meets to listen and discuss policy and relevant topics that drive the industry.
Key-note speeches from the Minster and Head of the Gambling Commission provide an invaluable insight into the direction of travel from lawmakers that enable suppliers and operators alike to shape their strategies in relation to the immediate future of the land-based gaming industry.
The Convention is particularly relevant this year as it takes place the day after the Chancellor’s Budget Statement. A likely rise in Machine Gaming Duty, which was the topic of numerous conversations taking place at ACOS has to a degree been holding back investment and expansion.
The Treasury Committee’s report on the Taxation of Gambling, published last week, makes a clear distinction between arcades and horse racing on one side and online gambling on the other with the later placed in the penalty box.
My gut tells me there will be a low single digit rise in MGD for the sector represented by Bacta but a much bigger hit for the online operators.”
Rob Wheeler
Originally published on Coinslot on November 24, 2025. Republished with permission.