Ready for a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the New Bacta Leadership?
Initiating work on the UK Gambling Overhaul by Bacta
The fresh faces of Bacta's new regime are here, just in time to navigate the tumultuous waves of changes barreling towards the UK's gaming world. With the weighty task of steering the ship through these treacherous waters, Joseph Callis from Windmill Leisure steps up as the new president, and Jeremy Godden, managing director of Godden Gaming, takes on the vice-president role - both unopposed, mind you. This change marks a generational shift within the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta), as it journeys down the path of modernization and transformation.
In an exclusive chat with SiGMA News, incoming president Joseph Callis shares his vision, priorities, and the looming challenges that await the new leadership. Their official induction is set for June 17, 2025, amidst mounting scrutiny on the industry and a busy legislative landscape.
The New Bacta Agenda
With John Bowman (who returned as president in 2023 to head a reorganization effort for Bacta) stepping aside, Callis pays tribute to Bowman's achievements while affirming his desire to build on that accomplishments. The primary goal of the new leadership is to pave the way for members as they adapt to the reforms outlined in the White Paper. This ambitious agenda includes the adoption of cashless payments, increased machine limits, updated player protection standards, and technical reforms in the land-based sector.
"The modernizing of the number of gaming machines in street and seaside arcades is our top priority," underscores Joseph Callis. The final decision on this matter lies with the minister for gambling, who plans to discuss the issue in September. Callis and his team are actively engaging with the minister and her colleagues to demonstrate the industry's commitment to social responsibility.
Concurrently, elections are in progress for the Amusement Council (comprising 20 members) and the three former presidents on the National Council. The outcomes of these elections will shape the strategic direction and collaborative efforts of the new leadership with regulators.
Amidst Change, Preserving Tradition
Technical reforms, such as new standards proposed by the Gambling Commission, threaten to alter the nature of players' interaction with gaming machines. These changes include default time and expenditure limits, mandatory pauses, and a ban on celebratory sounds for minor wins, among others.
Bacta has already submitted its feedback on these draft technical standards, highlighting the financial burden they would place on both existing and new machines. According to Callis, implementing several adjustments could help balance the regulators' objectives with affordable business costs. The implementation of cashless payments remains a priority, with the new leadership ready to collaborate with the Gambling Commission as soon as they receive ministerial approval.
Striking a Balance: Modernity and Tradition
Apart from coping with technical reforms, the new leadership faces a daunting task in preserving the cultural legacy of the UK's land-based gaming sector. These establishments, often family-owned businesses alongside larger operators, contribute to the vibrancy of British cultural life and revitalize high streets and coastal resorts.
"My mission is to protect and promote our sector," says Callis, adding, "We've always been innovators, and we'll keep pushing boundaries to adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape." Some smaller operators, however, fear that the financial burden and complexity of reforms could drive them out of business. Callis, a coastal hall owner himself, acknowledges these concerns and emphasizes the growth potential that the reforms from the White Paper could bring to the entire sector.
Setting the Bar for Success
Callis and Godden pledge to offer comprehensive support to association members, but their success hinges on more than favorable reforms. With the industry becoming increasingly fragmented, the new leadership must foster unity and collaboration to effectively steer the sector through its ongoing transformation. Callis's vision is straightforward: "Our goal is to ensure our members continue to bring joy to millions of Britons every year. I look forward to supporting them in this journey."
From June 17, 2025, Bacta's new leadership kicks off its term, taking on the challenges that come with the modernization of the gaming industry. Join SiGMA News as we follow their journey and bring you updates from the heart of the action.
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- The new Bacta leadership, comprising Joseph Callis as president and Jeremy Godden as vice-president, prepare to navigate the UK's gaming industry through imminent changes.
- While honouring the accomplishments of former president John Bowman, Callis emphasizes the need to modernize the number of gaming machines in arcades and adopt cashless payments, increased machine limits, updated player protection standards, and technical reforms.
- Engaging with the minister for gambling and regulators, the new leadership aims to balance the financial burden of proposed technical reforms with affordable business costs, ensuring the industry's commitment to responsible gambling.
- Apart from technical reforms, the new leadership must preserve the cultural legacy of the UK's land-based gaming sector, addressing the concerns of smaller operators who fear being driven out of business.
- Success for Callis and Godden hinges on fostering unity and collaboration among association members, ensuring they can continue to bring joy to millions of Britons every year as the industry undergoes transformation.
- Amidst policy and legislative changes, SiGMA News will provide updates on the new Bacta leadership's journey, focusing on growth strategies, gambling trends, and responsible gambling in the industry, as well as the latest general news and casino-culture developments.
