Bacta President John Bollom has told members that their trade association is prepared to oppose the Gambling Commission’s proposed changes to technical standards ‘all the way’.
Bacta believes that the plans set out by the Commission could see many gaming machines currently in use rendered illegal by a need to receive software updates in order to strengthen limit-setting and time outs.
Thanking the many members that answered Bacta’s request for evidence the trade association has used what it described as their ‘crucial input’ to produce a detailed rebuttal which was sent to the Commission Monday 30th September.
Putting the proposals into context John Bollom said: “I am shocked and also on a personal level disappointed at the approach that has been adopted by the Commission whose proposals would be hugely damaging for operators both large and small.”
“At the beginning of the year we were asked to submit a range of changes to Technical Standards which we did in partnership with the Bingo Association – and which it would appear have been totally ignored.”
The proposals which are being considered by the Gambling Commission include a raft of new rules including limit setting for all Category B machines, new rules on net position and elapsed time display meters on all Category B machines, safer gambling messaging, new rules on awards below the stake size and prohibiting player-led stop features all in relation to Category B machines.
Explaining the impact they would have on operators John Bollom noted “There are a large number of machines which are simply incapable of software updates to deliver these proposed changes.
“The Bacta office at Ely Place and our MSOs in the field are receiving a large volume of calls from members who fear that if implemented the proposals would force them to pull down the shutters for the last time.
“I must stress that there is no certainty the Commission will proceed with these proposals in their current form and if they do they will be subject to a further formal consultation period which will involve Bacta and our members.
“We are at a pre-consultation stage, there is a long way to go and Bacta will continue to present robust evidence-based arguments and continue to protect the business interests of our members. To my knowledge we have never faced a retrospective imposition of changes to technical standards”.