Bacta President Joseph Cullis has challenged flawed government proposals and warns that Prime Minister Andy Burnham risks misrepresenting the sector. Citing data showing a 12 per cent decline in venues since 2015, Bacta has vowed to robustly defend its members against measures that threaten high street investment and undermine responsible operators.
Bacta has responded in the strongest possible terms to news that the new Labour Government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to give local authorities greater powers to block new Adult Gaming Centres as part of a wider package of measures concerning Britain’s high streets. In a communication with members the trade association has issued assurances that it will steadfastly challenge the proposals whilst defending the reputation of the sector.
The proposals include removing the ‘aim to permit’ principle from the Gambling Act 2005. Taking into account an expected six-week consultation the changes will potentially take effect from early 2027. Until then there is no immediate change affecting the operation of existing venues.
Bacta is strongly challenging the proposals and the way in which the high street gaming entertainment sector is being portrayed.
Bacta President Joseph Cullis stated: “The Government’s announcement associates responsible, licensed AGCs with illegal and criminal businesses. This is totally inaccurate. Bacta members operate in one of the most tightly regulated sectors on the high street, uphold rigorous standards of social responsibility and make an important contribution to local employment, investment and economic activity.”
He continued: “The suggestion that AGCs have spread rapidly across the country also demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of our sector and is contradicted by the Government’s own regulator. Gambling Commission data shows that the number of AGCs has fallen from 1,610 in 2015 to 1,415 in 2025, a decline of around 200 premises over the past decade. Characterising this as an example of ‘rapid expansion’ is simply wrong.”
Confirming Bacta’s support for the regulated market Cullis noted: “We support action against illegal operators and rogue businesses. However, conflating those businesses with legitimate, regulated AGCs risks undermining responsible operators while doing nothing to address the genuine criminal activity taking place outside the regulated market.”
Acknowledging that the announcement has come directly from No.10 and reflects the Prime Minister’s feelings towards our industry Cullis said: “We are under no illusion about the seriousness of the challenge that this presents.
“Bacta will push back in the strongest possible terms. We will urgently engage with the Government, DCMS, the new Gambling Minister and other political stakeholders. We will respond robustly to any consultation – our case will be grounded in evidence and will challenge the inaccurate claims that are being used to justify these measures.”
“We will provide further updates as more detail becomes available and will involve members closely in our response including help engaging directly with their constituency MPs.”
No illusions
Joseph Cullis said… “We are under no illusion about the seriousness of the challenge that this presents. Bacta will push back in the strongest possible terms…We will respond robustly to any consultation – our case will be grounded in evidence and will challenge the inaccurate claims that are being used to justify these measures…
Originally published on Coinslot on August 17, 2026. Republished with permission.