After the success of its lobbying activities in relation to MGD, Bacta might be excused a period of reflection. Nothing of the sort as the trade association puts its game face on and invites members to a New Year webinar when it will set-out its activities for 2026 with key topics on the agenda including Category D and Bingo consultations alongside its far-reaching initiatives on self-exclusion.
Bacta President Joseph Cullis has issued an invitation for members to participate in the trade association’s first webinar of the year on 7th January warning ‘that the real work starts now’.
Recognising that early January is a busy period as the industry returns from the holiday break and looks ahead to the flagship EAG Expo (13–15 January, ExCeL London), Cullis said that the webinar will provide a forum to update on key workstreams, outline upcoming regulatory requirements and answer questions from members.
Joseph Cullis confirmed: “Following the positive news that the Treasury had listened to the arguments that we put forward regarding MGD and the attendance of both the Minister and the CEO of the Gambling Commission at our 2025 Convention, we have been formulating an action plan for 2026 in order to ensure that we hit the ground running at the earliest opportunity.”
Addressing specifics, he added: “We will be updating members on the DCMS Category D and Bingo Consultations. Two working groups have now been convened, one focusing on Category D stakes and prizes and the other on bingo licensing. Both groups have already had productive meetings and are helping to inform the detail of Bacta’s responses.
“Following constructive discussions with DCMS, we have secured an extension to the consultation deadline which is now 30th January. This extension gives us valuable additional time to gather operational insight and ensure that our submissions reflect the full breadth of member experience. On both the Cat D and the Bingo consultations we will be using the webinar to seek the views of members on our draft responses.”
He continued: “The central importance the government places on player protection was made explicit in the address from Baroness Twycross at Convention and the webinar will cover the implementation of our strengthened self-exclusion measures, including new in-venue messaging and the rollout of the on-machine player prompt.”
“The Bacta webinars remain one of the best ways to ensure that members have the latest information, clarity on what is changing, and practical guidance on what will be required in the weeks and months ahead. I am sure that the updates provided at the webinar will prompt further discussions at EAG where myself, Vice President Jeremy Godden, Director of Communications Allaster Gair, Bacta National Council and the MSO team will all be present and on-hand to answer questions from the members.”
Joining instructions for the Bacta Webinar (Wednesday 7th January 2026, 1400-1500) will be sent out to members shortly.
Time to work
Joseph Cullis said… “Two working groups have now been convened, one focusing on Category D stakes and prizes and the other on bingo licensing. Both groups have already had productive meetings and are helping to inform the detail of Bacta’s responses…
Originally published on Coinslot on December 15, 2025. Republished with permission.