Bacta chief executive John White is priming members to be ready to contribute to the White Paper consultation programme which he believes will represent one of the most important periods in the history of the association.

Confirming that bacta would be using every channel available to keep members fully informed of the consultation timetable and process he stated: “Following the publication of the White Paper after such a long wait we are now going to the next level of the process during which we will be drawing on the invaluable experience of members – whether they run consumer-facing businesses or are part of the industry’s extended supply chain – in order to help inform our arguments during what is a crucial period. We have to await the timetable but understand that the big ticket items will be first up for consultation in what we have been told could be a three to five year programme of work.”

Adding that bacta was prepared for what he anticipates will be a ‘blizzard of consultation’ taking place over the remainder of this year John White noted: “Bacta President Greg Wood and myself met with Stuart Andrew MP the Minister responsible for Gambling on a Zoom call in the afternoon following publication of the White Paper.

“Both Greg and myself were impressed by his determination and commitment to get the consultation programme underway at the earliest opportunity. There is most certainly the political appetite to complete what is a Conservative Party manifesto commitment which is hugely encouraging for everyone involved in the land-based sector. Our job is to respond to the consultations in the most professional manner possible drawing on the authentic and lived experience of bacta members.”

Reflecting on the content of the White Paper he stated: “Bacta stands by its original position that the White Paper represents a well-balanced set of proposals which appears to have landed well with most interested parties. The detail and implications of what’s being proposed is obviously key. Bacta and its membership has worked tirelessly to minimise the very small perceived risks associated with low stake low prize gambling and our members have raised the bar in terms of their safer gambling undertakings.

“We have identified some possible red flags in the Paper and we are very aware of the potential risk of ‘unintended consequences’  as well as ensuring that there are no hidden dangers in the detail of what’s being proposed. Overall I think bacta and its members who have done so much positive work in terms of lobbying their MPs and have made a major contribution helping to change the way politicians view the land-based sector. It’s the conversations that we have with our MPs which make a difference and I would encourage all bacta members to reach out to their elected representatives.

“We are producing a fact sheet summarising the key arguments and we will be holding an all-member webinar in May to explain the White Paper and answer any questions. The next phase is going to be frenetic and I can guarantee that myself, National President Greg Wood, the bacta Management Committee and the entire team at Ely Place will be working flat-out to help ensure the best possible outcome for members.”