Bacta request to meet PM advisors

  • 2nd July 2018
  • News

In a letter addressed to Theresa May, Bacta has reiterated the importance of FOBT stake cut implementation and requested to meet with the Prime Minister’s advisors.

President Gabi Stergides sent the letter on Tuesday 26 June, thanking May for her “commitment and leadership” in the decision to cut FOBT stakes, but also expressing concern regarding reports that implementation could take two years.

“Making the policy change is one important part of the process but it is the implementation of it which will end the harm and financial loss being caused by FOBT machines,” Stergides wrote. “I would welcome the opportunity to meet with your advisers to discuss the urgent need for stake reduction and give an industry perspective on the need for this change as well as insight on the relatively minor technical changes the bookmakers need to make.”

Stergides stated that implementation should take place no later than when Remote Gaming Duty comes into action in April 2019, emphasising that “it would be immoral and unacceptable for the Government to continue to take money” from a £100 maximum stake machine after that date. The letter can be seen in full on
page 18.

Coinslot June 29th – July 5th 2018, 2583 Page 4