Bacta ramps up political engagement as 2026 gets off to “exceptionally busy” start

The Amusement Network Cataches up with Joseph Cullis, bacta President

The UK amusement and low-stake gaming sector has entered 2026 with renewed momentum — and a notably heavier schedule of political engagement — according to Joseph Cullis, President of Bacta.

Describing the opening weeks of the year as among the busiest in recent memory, Cullis said the trade body has already been balancing industry events, government consultations and policy meetings at an unprecedented pace.

“The year really got going with EAG,” he explained, pointing to a more optimistic atmosphere following the Autumn Budget. “There was a noticeably more positive and growth-focused mood across the convention and the wider industry.”

But while sentiment may be improving, Bacta’s workload has intensified.

Ministers, consultations and player protection

Cullis confirmed the association has been heavily involved in discussions with Ministers, MPs and officials, while simultaneously responding to two major consultations that could significantly impact members: Category D machines and bingo.

Alongside these policy discussions, Bacta has continued to advance its own player protection initiatives and standards work.

“We’ve had a high volume of meetings with Ministers, officials and MPs, alongside responding to the Category D and bingo consultations, which are both significant for our members,” he said. “Running in parallel with that, we have continued to push forward our player protection initiatives and improvements. All of that together has made for an exceptionally busy and important start to the year.”

Realism on the ground

Away from Westminster, Cullis has also been hearing directly from operators. Speaking after attending Bacta’s North East regional meeting in Newcastle, he described a mood that was “realistic but constructive”.

“Operators are proud of the role they play locally, but they are feeling the pressure from rising costs and ongoing uncertainty,” he noted.

Cost inflation and regulatory consistency emerged as the main themes.

“Members want a stable, proportionate framework that allows them to invest, plan ahead and continue raising standards, rather than operating in a constant state of uncertainty.”

For many high street and seaside operators, the ability to plan with confidence is seen as just as important as any single regulatory change.

Priorities for the year ahead

Looking forward to the remainder of 2026, Cullis outlined three clear priorities for the association.

First is continuing to embed higher standards across the sector, particularly around player protection and responsible gambling practices.

Second is securing what he describes as proportionate, evidence-based regulation — supporting long-awaited reforms while challenging measures that could harm investment without delivering meaningful benefits.

Third is safeguarding members’ long-term viability, including ongoing engagement with Government around taxation and rising operational costs.

“Above all, members should expect Bacta to be active and effective on their behalf,” Cullis said. “We will continue making the case for our sector clearly and consistently at every level.”

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5 February 2026

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