Bacta raises concerns over licensing amendment in Devolution Bill

Bacta has moved swiftly to address a proposed amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which could have significant implications for the licensing framework governing land-based gambling venues.

The amendment seeks to introduce powers relating to gambling premises through so-called ‘gambling impact assessments’ — previously referred to as cumulative impact assessments. While the Bill itself is not directly related to gambling legislation, it is currently being used as a vehicle to advance the proposal.

Bacta President Joseph Cullis confirmed that the trade association is taking the development seriously, given its potential to affect the long-standing ‘aim to permit’ principle established under the Gambling Act 2005.

“Given the potential impact on the ‘aim to permit’ principle within the Gambling Act 2005, Bacta has moved quickly to assess the situation and ensure the sector’s concerns are clearly understood within Government,” he said.

Working alongside industry partners, Bacta has commissioned independent legal advice to assess the implications of the amendment. According to Cullis, the resulting opinion raises “serious concerns” that the proposed changes could undermine the current licensing framework that has been in place since 2005.

Bacta has already begun direct engagement with policymakers. Earlier this week, Allaster Gair and Cullis met with officials at Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to discuss the issue and share the legal findings. The Department has confirmed that it is now reviewing the advice internally with its legal team.

In parallel, Bacta is engaging directly with the Minister for Gambling and has requested meetings with Ministers at Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), which is responsible for the Bill currently being used to carry the amendment.

Bacta has pledged to continue working closely with both Ministers and officials in the coming days to ensure that the potential consequences for land-based operators are fully understood and addressed.

The association has also committed to keeping members updated as the situation develops, as the industry watches closely for any changes that could reshape the licensing landscape.

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26 March 2026

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