Bacta appeals incoming government to prioritize gambling reforms post-election

Bacta, the trade body representing the UK's low stake gaming and amusements sectors, has issued a rallying call to the incoming government to expedite the modernization of gambling regulations, following the announcement of a snap General Election on July 4 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

In a message to members released shortly after the election announcement, Bacta President John Bollom emphasized the urgency of passing the Gambling White Paper reforms into law. “A snap General Election was always the biggest risk to getting the Gambling White Paper reforms passed into law,” Bollom stated.

Bollom urged Bacta members to engage with their parliamentary candidates, particularly those from the Labour Party, to garner support for land-based gambling reforms.

To assist members in this effort, Bacta plans to provide guidance on how to effectively communicate with candidates. “We will be issuing advice to members on how to do this in the coming days,” Bollom added.

The Bacta President highlighted the importance of these reforms for the sector. “It is imperative, if there is a change in Government, that the Labour Party finishes the job and supports modernization of our sector to support both the High Street and seaside towns,” Bollom noted.

Bollom expressed optimism that the election will not derail the much-needed reforms. “The reforms are so vital for our sector. I like to think they may have been delayed not derailed. Our campaign continues,” he concluded.

Earlier in the week, the trade body showed its public support for the reforms, saying it will actively engage with Gambling Commission officials to ensure the introduction of cashless play in 2025.