Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, gave a speech during his participation in the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (Bacta) Annual Convention.
Bacta represents the amusement and land-based low-stakes gambling sectors, including arcades and pier attractions. The income generated by Bacta members plays a vital role in supporting UK pubs, maintaining these venues, and promoting tourism.
Personal reflection on British culture
Miller quickly emphasised the significant role these venues play in British culture. “Indeed, it’s worth reflecting that it was actually a family entertainment centre that once gave me my greatest Dad achievement,” he laughed. “That moment when your daughter looks at you like you’re a Marvel superhero because you managed to snare a Paw Patrol toy in a crane grabber, or as my girls like to call it ‘a non-complex cat D gaming machine’.”
However, it’s not just about the memories these venues create, but also the business operations themselves. “The Commission values collaboration and is committed to working with you to make gambling safer, fairer, and free from crime,” Miller stated. “Today, I’ll begin by outlining our approach and how we aim to move forward with you.”
“Everyone here understands that the Gambling Commission holds broad powers, and we’re not hesitant to use them,” he added. “When we identify issues, we will take action, and we have raised standards by exercising these powers.”
He went on to explain that Bacta and the Commission regularly hold roundtable discussions to address potential issues and ensure compliance teams are proactive in tackling problems as they arise.
Recent discussions have identified seven key factors that could indicate problem gambling at casual land-based venues: time indicators, spending habits, behavior or appearance, use of gambling management tools, customer-led contact, play indicators, and large wins.
Miller stressed the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of staff interventions. “Without assessing the outcome of customer interactions, how can a business know if it is achieving the objectives set out by the license conditions?” he asked. “In simple terms, don’t just check if your policies and procedures are being followed—check if they are working in practice.”
He concluded by outlining the Commission’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with venues on anti-money laundering (AML) measures and various proposals, including those related to free bets and bonuses, empowering customers through responsible gambling initiatives, enhancing transparency around player funds, and the upcoming statutory levy.
New report on young people and gambling
“Bacta members play a crucial role in this work, and at the Commission, we are committed to continuing our partnership with you to achieve high levels of compliance, create a sustainable industry, and deliver the best outcomes for your customers,” Miller stated. “We’re all making progress. Let’s keep moving forward in the year ahead.”
The Commission recently released its 2024 Young People and Gambling Report, which explores how children and young people are engaging with gambling related activities. The report gives insights into the behaviors and trends among younger demographics, offering a thorough look at their interactions with gambling. It focuses to highlight main areas of concern and inform strategies for better protecting vulnerable groups, assuring that appropriate measures are in place to prevent harm and encourage safer practices.
Elevate your business at SiGMA Eurasia Summit, February 23-25, 2025. Connect with 14,000+ industry leaders, hear from 400+ expert speakers, and seize new opportunities in Dubai.
