It’s time for our industry to be recognised for the contribution it makes to communities across the UK
Joseph Cullis, President
| Bacta
The amusement and low-stake gambling sector plays a vital role in communities across the UK. It’s time that contribution was properly recognised.
I recently stepped into the role of Bacta President, steering the UK’s leading trade association that represents the amusement and land-based low-stake gambling industry.
This industry has long been a part of my life. From early childhood when my family ran arcades in Ayrshire, to now as I step into my new role at Bacta, while proudly owning the family businesses my great-grandfather founded in the 1960s.
From my own experiences, I have seen the positive contribution our industry makes up and down the UK, offering a low-cost form of entertainment at a time when people need it most.
However, since the outset of my tenure, one question has been at the forefront of my mind. For an industry that contributes so much, why are we still undervalued by decision makers?
We know that the income generated by Bacta members helps support Britain’s pubs, sustains the country’s seaside piers, bolsters UK tourism, and contributes to the regeneration of high streets. And yet, the perception of our industry is too often defined by those who’ve never set foot in one of our venues.
I am determined to change that.
We know there are naysayers, people who will always oppose our industry. Many of them fail to recognise the role our venues play, and it can appear that they don’t want to. While we won’t agree on everything, I want to create and have regular, constructive conversations with them.
It is important for me that they can discuss their concerns with me and not feel shut down, but at the same time, I want to be able to demonstrate what makes my industry great. As I know from my own interactions with customers and staff, the relationships I have developed with other businesses up and down the high streets in my community, and the variety of organisations I have already met as President, there are many who recognise the positive impact of adult gaming centre (AGC) and family entertainment centre (FEC) venues.
At their core, AGCs and FECs are inclusive, and Bacta member venues welcome customers from every walk of life. Over time, AGCs and FECs become reflections of the communities they serve. They are hubs where people can unwind and have fun in a safe and alcohol-free environment.
In fact, for many customers, it’s not just about spinning to win. The interactions they have with the staff and friends in venues make up an integral part of their social life. They develop meaningful relationships, knowing that staff are friendly, consistent faces, who would be there to look out for them – should they need it.
And they don’t just have a community benefit. I know from my own experience that AGCs and FECs are the quiet powerhouses of local economies. Operating as bricks-and-mortar venues, they are creating jobs, enhancing footfall, contributing to the regeneration of high streets and revitalising coastal communities at a time when others are choosing to turn away.
What is also often forgotten is that we do this despite high operational costs, increasing regulatory burdens, and little of the flexibility or profitability afforded to online operators. Still, our members choose to invest. They take risks to open on the high street, to hire locally, and to provide responsible entertainment.
Community is at the heart and soul of our members' venues, and we pride ourselves on AGCs and FECs being among the safest places to gamble. With experienced staff trained to recognise the signs of harm and step in when support is needed, the vast majority of customers enjoy the games in our venues responsibly.
As I step into my role as Bacta President, I want to make clear that my absolute, number-one priority is maintaining and improving our industry’s commitments to player safety. This is not a responsibility I take lightly, and I know I have a big challenge ahead of me.
Bacta membership ranges from local family businesses to global gaming and entertainment groups. Finding a one-size-fits-all solution to maintaining player safety standards is never going to happen overnight. Yet, for me, collaboration is key, and I am absolutely determined to work alongside the necessary industry bodies and interested parties to make our industry safer than it has ever been without taking away the fun that customers enjoy.
As my term of office begins, I am determined to use my tenure to celebrate and protect our members. Our industry brings immense value to the UK, and we will work together to ensure that our venues can be enjoyed as community hubs, that fuel local economies, and put player safety at the core of operations. We are committed to playing our part.
