Bacta’s first SR exchange receives all-round praise

Bacta’s first SR exchange has received positive feedback from all participants. The event attracted regulators, operators and their staff, leaders of gambling-related charities and those involved in the treatment of those with gambling problems. Many operators had asked their front-line staff to attend, resulting in a jam-packed audience and relevant discussion.

The day started with a Keynote Address by GambleAware Chief Executive Mark Etches, followed by a Welcoming Address from Simon Bradbury, Bacta’s Head of Social Responsibility and Compliance.

EUROMAT President Jason Frost then provided an update on the industry’s response to the RGSB strategy. After that, Bacta’s John White moderated at a panel discussion on improving the journey for the problem or at-risk customer, with contributions from Lee Willows of YGAM, Anna Hemmings of GamCare, the Gambling Commission’s Helen Rhodes and Justin Prescott of Silcocks Leisure.

There were workshop sessions in the afternoon, facilitated by GambleAware’s Iain Corby, Neil Platt of Beacon Counselling Trust, Addiction Recovery Agency’s Graham England, Becky Rowe from Revealing Reality, Professor David Parsons of P&A Research and Consulting, Praesepe’s Byron Evans and Training and Safeguarding Consultant Steve Eccleston. The bacta compliance team also played a major role, with the individual Regional Compliance Officers also acting as facilitators.

SJ Development’s Steve Ecclestone was Facilitator for the workshop focused on helping and safeguarding vulnerable groups and was impressed by the level of enthusiasm, saying, “The session went well with lively contributions on key points. There was clearly a lot of knowledge around Compliance and the risks to young people from gambling. It does appear, however, that we may need to also consider the broader safeguarding risks in respect of children and vulnerable people who may be encountered within the premises,” advised Steve.

One of the many operators in attendance was Nigel Botelho of Lucky Star Amusements, with operations in Kent and Essex: “I had a very interesting day and gained a good insight into where our industry is heading. I learned a lot from some of the larger operators involved in the workshops,” revealed Nigel.