Bacta has agreed to include in its Code of Conduct a new rule with will prevent young people under the age of 16 playing on Category D cash payout fruit machines unless accompanied by an adult.

 

The move was approved at the Association’s Annual General Meeting on 26th November. It follows a successful trial of the policy change on nearly 5000 machines over the summer and was initiated after a unanimous vote by Bacta’s seaside operators at a specially convened meeting in early July.

“Such was the success and the widespread approval of this move by Bacta members, it makes complete sense to adopt it as a condition of membership,” says Bacta President, James Miller.

“This move by our members was indicative of our genuine wish to do all we can and responds directly to public concerns expressed by stakeholders with whom we have spoken, while we acknowledge that the risk of gambling-related harm from Category D cash payout machines at seaside arcades was minimal.”

Carolyn Harris, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm and former MP (and prospective parliamentary candidate) for Swansea East , said: “I very much welcome this move by Bacta members. Everyone loves going to the seaside and spending time in the arcades. They are a vital part of the UK’s economy, culture and heritage. We must make sure, however, that any risks to children are minimised and I am pleased to see this is a message that Bacta has heard loud and clear.”

 

This article was originally published on www.coinslot.co.uk