Allaster Gair

97 Percent of Bacta Members Support Increased Action on Illegal Gambling Operators

Published

1 hour ago

May 8, 2026

97-percent-of-bacta-members-support-increased-action-on-illegal-gambling-operators

In a clarion call for the Gambling Commission and Licensing Authorities, including local police forces, to be more vigilant in their approach to illegal gambling, 97% of respondents to the latest Bacta Pulse survey confirmed they would back stronger enforcement of the law.

As the statutory regulator the Gambling Commission leads on intelligence-led investigations and possess powers to initiate criminal investigations into illegal land-based activity. To combat what is recognised as constituting a growing problem, the Gambling Commission was allocated an additional £26 million in funding over three years starting in 2026 in order to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators.

Updating the current state of play Bacta President Joseph Cullis said: “In England and Wales, local authorities are responsible for licensing premises and, alongside police, are expected to take enforcement actions including raids and shutdowns against illegal gambling operating within their specific area, seizing equipment and prosecuting operators. It’s a multi-agency approach which also includes HMRC in order to tackle tax evasion.”

He added: “While the Gambling Commission has historically focused on the online sector, concerns regarding land-based illegal activity, including unlicensed gaming machines in pubs, members clubs and cafes remain. These illegal operators ‘steal’ discretionary spend from Bacta members and provide none of the player protection safeguards that are so important in the regulated market. Illegal gambling remains a key issue of concern for Bacta members and it is a topic that is permanently on our agenda in discussions with colleagues at UKGC.”

The rigid and outdated regulations governing the siting and mix of machines is having a profound impact on investment. According to the Pulse Survey 87% of respondents said that greater machine flexibility would encourage them to invest in their venues. With the remaining 13% saying the question was not applicable the figure jumps to 100% – the first Pulse question to attract a unanimous response.

In what has become something of a recurring theme the Bacta Pulse survey has again revealed what members believe to be a serious lack of knowledge concerning the industry.

Joining MPs and Councillors, both of which were identified in previous surveys, are Local Authority Licensing Officers with 93% of respondents saying this important group “do not know the industry well.”

Explaining how the findings will impact and inform Bacta’s engagement with policy makers, Director of Communications Allaster Gair said: “The results are invaluable in shaping the conversations that we have on a daily basis with external stakeholders and I am grateful for every Bacta member who has participated. Illegal gambling is of huge importance both to our members, to players and to HMRC. The 80/20 rule is outdated and is having adverse consequences for the industry supply chain. Getting closer to Licensing Officers is an area that we are addressing and will continue to address using the opportunity provided by events such as EAG Expo, the SR Exchange and via the offices of Bacta’s MSOs.”

The post 97 Percent of Bacta Members Support Increased Action on Illegal Gambling Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Allaster Gair

BGC: Industry, Government and Regulator Back Safer Gambling Week 2025

Published

6 months ago

November 19, 2025

Niji Narayan

bgc:-industry,-government-and-regulator-back-safer-gambling-week-2025

Reading Time: 3 minutes

This year’s Safer Gambling Week runs from 17-23 November 2025, bringing the whole industry together to further promote safer gambling by highlighting the tools available to help customers stay in control, while signposting help and advice to those who need it.

Organised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), BACTA and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week is now in its ninth year. The initiative will once again deliver a range of safer gambling messages both online and in land-based venues, helping to spark a nationwide conversation about betting responsibly.

Analysis of last year’s successful campaign confirmed that more than 1.5 million unique accounts used a safer gambling tool during the week, representing a 22% year-on-year increase. Deposit limits rose by 14%, with nearly half set for the first time.

Last year’s Safer Gambling Week also set new social media records, generating more than 60 million impressions across major platforms including X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Baroness Twycross, Minister for Gambling, said: “As a Government, we are fully committed to reducing harmful gambling and protecting those at risk. That is why we have introduced a statutory levy aimed at providing funding to tackle this.

“We welcome the contribution that Safer Gambling Week makes. It provides a good opportunity to highlight the tools and support that is available to people who may need it.”

Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, said: “Safer Gambling Week is an important moment for the industry to demonstrate its commitment to protecting customers and promoting responsible play.

“While progress has been made, we must continue to ensure that the tools and protections available to consumers are effective and widely promoted.

“Collaboration and evidence-based action remain central to making gambling in Great Britain fairer, safer, and crime-free.”

Louie French MP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “I’m backing the Safer Gambling Week campaign to tackle gambling-related harm. This important initiative brings the industry together to support safe and responsible gambling.

“Millions of people safely enjoy a flutter every month, whether it’s on the horses, football, or the lottery. But for some, gambling can cause immense harm to their lives. It’s vital that the industry quickly identifies and supports these people.

“This initiative is one of the many examples of why Britain must stop the rise of the black market. If the Government taxes people away from regulated bookies, they’ll fuel unsafe betting online.”

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “As ever, the week sees the whole industry coming together to further promote safer gambling for the millions of people who enjoy a regular flutter.

“It’s a time to highlight all the tools available so that customers can stay in control. And to signpost help and advice to those who need it.

“Last year’s campaign was a great success with over 1.5 million unique accounts using a safer gambling tool during the week.”

Paul Swindon, Head of Governance and Compliance at the Bingo Association, said: “The Bingo Association is proud to support Safer Gambling Week.

“All our members across Great Britain are committed to promoting a safe, enjoyable, and responsible environment for all players.

“Bingo has always been about community and fun, and Safer Gambling Week is an important reminder that gambling should always remain just that – social, safe and within your means.”

Allaster Gair, Director of Communications at BACTA, said: “At the heart of Safer Gambling Week is the simple idea that everyone should feel safe while having fun. Our members take that responsibility seriously – offering support, advice and safe spaces where customers can enjoy themselves responsibly.”

The post BGC: Industry, Government and Regulator Back Safer Gambling Week 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.