Bacta Opposed to Commission's 50/50 Matching of Type Proposal

Bacta has submitted its responses to the DCMS consultation on the 80/20 Rule becoming a 50/50 Rule and on the introduction of cashless technologies, as well as responding to the Gambling Commission’s consultation on Direct Marketing (they oppose the new regulations they wish to introduce), Think 25 (which bacta supports) and the removal of in person hearings at the Commission when licences are reviewed (which bacta is against).

John White said of the 50/50 rule, “We are concerned that the Option 2, pushed by the Gambling Commission, which requires a matching of category and type of machine to achieve the 50/50 as opposed to the current position which permits an operator to determine how best to meet the current 80/20 rule given the nature of the business and the customer base.  We are very much opposed to this option.”

The Levy

The consultation on the mandatory levy landed last week just before ACOS.  White says, “The good news is that our lobbying has resulted in a figure of 0.1% of GGY being proposed for AGCs and FECs – the same as the current voluntary levy.  However, the consultation suggests that manufacturers and single site operators pay at a level of 0.4%.  It is not clear whether this is on GGY of the machine (impossible) or on a profit figure.  If that later then on what basis is that to be levied.  We have put these and other questions to the DCMS and have not yet received any clear answers as to the thinking.  I will shortly be asking manufacturers, distributors and single site operators to give me figures on the impact of a 0.4% levy under a number of different scenarios so we can explain the devastating impact on our sector of the levy at this level, which represent a 400% in this particular cost.”

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24 October 2023

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