UK high street gaming finds its voice with powerful new strategic representation

UK high street gaming has a powerful new voice following the reconstitution of the Gambling Business Group (GBG) and the creation of an influential Board. The GBG Board reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of UK gaming made-up of C-Level figures from leading gaming brands including MERKUR UK, Scientific Games, Novomatic, Inspired Entertainment, OKTO, Game Nation, Entain, Moto Hospitality, Welcome Break, Roadchef, and Extra. The board, which met for the first time on November 9^th, represents over 60 percent of UK Adult Gaming Centres and 100 percent of Motorway Service Areas, 100 percent of machines in the Licensed Betting Office sector, 75 percent of sited Category C and Category B gaming equipment as well as accounting for the large majority of land-based GGY.

GBG chief executive Peter Hannibal, confirmed: “There’s no doubt that this Board is among the most influential groups in UK land-based gaming. These are the brands that are investing in the UK high street and helping it to respond to the huge challenges that we are facing post-COVID. These are the brands that are employing local people, sustaining significant local and regional supply chains and providing safe, secure and socially responsible gaming entertainment to customers throughout the UK. They are playing a significant role in the regeneration of the UK high street and have the ability to make important contributions to the Government’s ‘Levelling-Up’ programme.”

He added: “Both the online and the seaside sectors of the industry have their own representation leaving those businesses that are on the high street without a clear and defined voice. The GBG led by its Board of Directors will be addressing these issues and filling the void that we believe exists. Our arguments will be empirically based, we will seek to work with external stakeholders and engage in constructive dialogue.

“The Board was unanimous in its support for the vision that has been presented and, on that basis, we are now in the process of finalising the detail of our strategic plan for high street gaming, which once confirmed we will unveil and share with the industry. The Gambling Business Group was launched in 2014 in order to improve the business environment for gambling brands active in the UK and protect the long-term future of those companies and individuals working within the industry. Our new strategic plan will underpin those original aims and create a powerful new voice for the high street.”

Adam Hodges, Chief Executive of Game Nation stated: “It was refreshing to attend a meeting where we actually discussed and agreed ways in which we can implement change and mean it. I strongly believe that if we want to shift the public’s perception of gambling then we need a combined approach across the industry with all sub-sectors working collaboratively to influence real change. The Gambling Business Group has the influence, the reputation and the focus to achieve this.”