Off the back of figures from the Observer, the Association of Directors of Public Health and the Local Government Association has urged the need to tackle the growth of 24-hour slot machine centres in some towns.
The Observer detailed that in excess of 300 slot machine centres have taken their place on British high streets, operating 24-hours a day.
It comes amidst backlash over the building of a new Merkur slot centre in South London, where an open letter was published with more than 60 objections from residents to the plans.
Concerns have called for increasing power from officials to strengthen their governance over the centres in order to pause the expansion of the venues, specifically deepening the powers of local council when it comes to building new gaming centres.
Bacta President, John Bollom, moved to defend venues in response to the criticisms though, as he underpinned the strong regulatory framework that the sector operates under.
He also emphasised to the Observer that “strict age checks are a key part of the day-to-day running of the businesses. They are a valued part of the high street and an essential component of the night-time economy.
“A small minority of players can have problems, and we are committed to ensuring the highest possible standards of social responsibility and that help is offered to players if needed.”
Sector awaiting its regulatory fate
The sector is somewhat awaiting its fate in terms of regulatory changes, prior to the calling of the election the DCMS had published new regulations in response to a consultation regarding measures relating to the land-based gambling sector from the gambling white paper.
Following analysis of the evidence submitted, the DCMS revealed that it had plans to increase the number of gaming machines allowed at certain land-based casinos to 80 and more than 20 for smaller casinos; allow a 2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines in arcades and bingo halls; allow direct debit card payments on gaming machines; introduce an age limit of 18 and over for the use of ‘cash-out’ Category D slot-style gaming machines; and increase the maximum chargeable premises licence fees.
For machines in arcades and bingo halls, DCMS had stated it would allow a “2:1 ratio of Category B to Category C and D gaming machines” to be implemented on a device-type basis.
This means “two Category B gaming machines on a cabinet device type can be made available to a minimum of one Category C or D gaming machine on a cabinet device type” and the same applies to in-fills and tablets.
Also bringing the centres more in line with the modern age, there were updates regarding cashless payments on gaming machines.
The DCMS stated it will “allow direct debit card payments to be made on gaming machines, subject to the player protection measures”, including account verification for each transaction and a £100 transaction limit.
Yet the implementation of the changes remains to be cemented amidst a governmental change off the back of the election.
Bacta has, however, urged its membership to ensure communication is strong with local governance in order to ensure the sector can continue off the back of any new regulations.
The group also recently undertook a mapping exercise, which revealed that 325 of the 650 constituencies have at least one Bacta member after the election.
Executive Director George McGregor stated: “To have Bacta representation in 325 constituencies is a major opportunity to present the industry’s case from the perspective of a constituent, which is a powerful way to create a dialogue and to influence thinking.“The political complexion of the breakdown will enable us to fine tune our arguments in relation to the reforms required to create a level playing field and in the process enable Bacta members to create employment opportunities, support the tourism agenda and to continue to invest in local economies both on the high street and at the coast.”
