UKHospitality is to call on the government to delay the revaluation of business rates for the sector until the end of the current term, with CEO Allen Simpson urging ministers to consider a “specific easement” for hospitality businesses, or ri...

RBW Systems has confirmed that its Guardian Compliance system is rolling-out across Godden Gaming Organisation venues. The latest in a string of RBW installations follows a detailed trial that adds weight to Guardian Compliance’s status as one...

From London to Barcelona, Novomatic Gaming UK will be on the road in January showcasing the Xtension Link Volume 2 and the Magic Games Premium HD Cat C compendium. Presenting fresh features, vibrant gameplay and enhanced player engagement for ...

Following a study by coach operator Flixbus that stated Weston-super-Mare is “set to make a huge comeback in 2026,” leisure guide Time Out has added its praise, stating a visit to the resort is “a lovely day out.”

Group General Counsel of Novomatic UK, Elizabeth Speed chairs Bacta’s Social Responsibility Committee and is the architect of the trade association’s annual SR Exchange. She provides her reflections on the SR Panel held as part of the Bacta Co...

The unexpected deal for Fairgame, which has quickly made its mark in competitive socialising, has strengthened Tenpin Entertainment’s position in the leisure market and supports its wider expansion plans. Is this a first strike for the FEC and...

Rob Mabbett, engagement director at BetterChange, has called out what he sees as the “ignorance and prejudice” of those in charge of allocating the proceeds of the Statutory Levy, noting the closure of several existing gambling harm charities ...

“We were very pleased that the Government confirmed there will be no increase to Machine Games Duty across all categories,” noted Bacta’s Joseph Cullis. It was a decision that has, he says, opened the door for the industry to move forward with...

It’s a budget that hasn’t gone down well in virtually every circle, but then it was always going to be that way. From the relentless and irritating kite-flying build up to within hours of the Chancellor’s speech when an OBR error leaked the Bu...

Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross has refused to alter her position on reforming the 80/20 ratio, telling attendees at the Bacta AGM that further progress on player protection must be made before the government will consider updating regulat...

Joseph Cullis took a pragmatic stance during his closing speech at the Bacta Convention this week, acknowledging the challenges that the industry continues to face regardless of the positive outcome on MGD, outlining the practical steps member...

Bacta vice president Jeremy Godden welcomed the Chancellor’s decision not to raise MGD during his speech to the association’s AGM this year, but observed that more action must be taken in order to give the sector a chance to thrive.

A world champion is driving a campaign to bring Fleetwood Pier back to glory with a plan to turn it into a must visit attraction. Will boxing champ Jane Couch land the sucker punch?

And absolutely no change to 80/20 this year. Twycross is a straight talker – but she is genuine in her desire to work with the industry and she doesn’t shy away from saying no. In fairness, there was a lot of no in her Convention speech. But i...

The Gambling Commission chief made some new friends this week with a speech of humour, appreciation – and as one would expect the usual dose of regulatory diktat. But, it wasn’t the tone of former days, Andrew Rhodes was heartened by the trans...

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 Convent...

As momentum builds for January’s EAG Expo so does the number of international operators preparing to pack their bags for London. The latest data-set released by show organisers reflect the reach of the show which stretches from Belgium to Bahr...

New interpretations on classic products are all the rage with the appropriately named ‘Funk Bowling’ harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform bowling and take into an exciting, compelling and immersive new era. With the acc...

It was an extremely humble introduction, but don’t be fooled, Allaster Gair is taking his recently assumed role as Bacta’s Director of Communications with an intense conviction. In his first speech to the Bacta membership, Gair displayed his t...

JD Wetherspoon could face a 66 percent rise in its annual MGD bill, from £27.5m to £45.7m, if the Chancellor pursues plans to double MGD, with the pub giant joining multiple landlords in warning that the rise could jeopardise “an important rev...

It’s been a rough ride for Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves these past few months. But then she should try spending a little time in the seat of an amusement, bingo or pub operator – then she’ll know exactly how rough a ride it can be...

The Blueprint offices in Newark is fast becoming a frequently visited destination for operators. The spike in visits is down in no small part to the opening of the Blueprint showroom – a major investment by the brand and a source of inspiratio...

A toxic variant of anti-working-class snobbery isn’t what you would normally expect from a Labour government but that’s what Sir Keir Starmer’s administration is being accused of as an increase in MGD threatens Rank Group’s £60m investment pro...

Allaster Gair, Bacta’s Director of Communications, reflects on Safer Gambling Week and argues that safer gambling is not only the right thing to do, but is a core part of maintaining a resilient, sustainable industry that can continue to contr...