The value and importance of industry gatherings has been put into sharp relief with Bacta supporting the ARE event at the highest level as well as taking the opportunity to stage the North West regional meeting at the Manchester-based event. The team will be engaging with Bacta members and updating on key developments not least the Government’s amendment on Gambling Impact Assessments.
Bacta will be attending next week’s ARE show in some force with the trade association delegation comprising President Joseph Cullis, Vice President Jeremy Godden, former President and current Executive Director, John Bollom, Group Head of Finance and Operations Robert Gibb, and Director of Communications Allaster Gair.
Making maximum use of the opportunities provided by the exhibition to bring the industry together Bacta has confirmed that it will be staging its North West Regional Meeting on Tuesday 28 April, the opening day of the expo.
Looking ahead to what will be the second edition of the show, Joseph Cullis said: “As a major date in the industry calendar, ARE provides a great chance to connect with members, highlight the work that Bacta is carrying out on their behalf and discuss the challenges that face the business. We have a stand at the event, so please feel free to stop by, whether to share your thoughts, provide feedback on how the key regulatory and economic issues are impacting your business, or to simply say hello.”
He added: “The industry is facing a raft of challenges not least the Government’s amendment on Gambling Impact Assessments which has now passed. Our focus is on shaping how these powers are implemented. We will be engaging closely with DCMS and the Gambling Commission to agree the statutory guidance, ensure the framework remains proportionate and evidence-based, and protect the ‘aim to permit’ principle in practice. There is much to keep members updated on and ARE provides an excellent opportunity to explain in greater detail how we will continue to represent members’ interests at every stage.”
A key issue on Bacta’s agenda and one which will be discussed with members at ARE include the preparatory work that’s being undertaken on the budget submission, specifically to provide an evidence-based analysis of how a freeze in the level of MGD will benefit the Treasury and UK plc. Updates will also be provided on the latest developments in relation to Gaming Machine Technical Standards, enhancements to Bacta’s self-exclusion provisions, reform of the 80/20 rule and the campaign to increase maximum stake and prize levels.
Members wishing to attend the North West Regional Meeting should confirm their place by contacting
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Joseph Cullis said……. “The industry is facing a raft of challenges not least the Government’s amendment on Gambling Impact Assessments which has now passed. Our focus is on shaping how these powers are implemented. There is much to keep members updated on and ARE provides an excellent opportunity to explain in greater detail how we will continue to represent members’ interests at every stage……
Originally published on Coinslot on April 28, 2026. Republished with permission.