Tag: Western Europe

Bacta the trade association representing the UK amusements and low stake gambling industry has contacted the UK government expressing its concern at how businesses in the sector are being unfairly treated by the banking sector, in some cases having their facilities withdrawn often at short notice.

In evidence provided to the Treasury Select Committee, bacta CEO John White said: “We want to confirm that a number of our members have had their banking facilities suddenly and unexpectedly removed. The reasons’ given are that the banks consider gambling, even low stake low prize activities such as ours, as a money laundering risk – which is nothing short of preposterous. Furthermore, we have been told that banks consider gambling to pose a reputational risk which, they say, offends their Corporate Social Responsibility policies.”

He added: “Irrespective of anyone’s moral perspective on gambling, there should be no circumstances other than illegality, for a bank not to offer banking services to any of our members.”

Confirming the legitimacy of the industry he wrote to the Committee: “It is important to note that this is a highly regulated industry. All operators have to be licensed in some form by the Gambling Commission and venues must be licensed. The conditions under which operators conduct their business are set down in law or via the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). Furthermore bacta members must adhere to the association’s Code of Conduct and Social Responsibility Charter which goes beyond the law and LCCP in promoting high operating standards.”

Outlining how a decision to refuse banking services will have major consequences for a business. He noted: “The time and cost of finding another bank is significant. The debt position of customers can be severely impacted and lending facilities cannot simply be replicated.

“It appears that a moral or political judgement is being made about a business, with little if any real transparency or opportunity to challenge a decision. Small to medium sized businesses are simply not resourced to take on a big bank.”

Following the launch of its partnership with leading climate action platform Ecologi which saw it fund the planting of 25,000 trees, MERKUR UK has launched a second stream of environmental activities with the organisation.

Phase two has seen MERKUR UK support a small-scale onshore wind farm in Sri Lanka, helping the avoidance of 2,000 tonnes of CO2e which is the equivalent of 1,535 long haul flights, saving 6,000sqm of sea ice or 4,962,000 car miles (7,985,564 km).

Tony Boulton, MERKUR UK’s Director of Public and Political Relations believes that the scale of the problems facing the world should not deter businesses from looking at ways in which they can contribute to help slow down the environmental crisis.

He stated: “The tree planting programme we have funded will see 25,000 trees established across 5,700 hectares in Southern Kenya. When you know that the 7-year target is over 14million it becomes clear that projects such as this require lots of companies and organisations to do whatever they can. Similar arguments apply to renewable energy. The project we are supporting in Sri Lanka will prevent just short of 19,000 tonnes of CO2e through wind power.

“The value of being a good corporate citizen is an important part of the culture which runs through MERKUR and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add to our initial support and to contribute to such a fantastic programme of work.”

A fresh chapter in the history of UK trade association BACTA has opened with a total of 45 members elected to take-up positions in the new streamlined structure.

Respected industry personality John Bollom (pictured) has been voted National President with Joseph Cullis, owner of Scottish operating company Windmill Leisure, elected as BACTA Vice-President; both for two-year terms.

Nick Harding, Greg Wood and James Miller are the three past Presidents to have been voted onto the new eleven-person BACTA National Council.

A further 40 BACTA members have been elected by their peers onto the newly-configured Gaming Council (20 members) and Amusement Council (20 members).

New BACTA President John Bollom, whose proposal to introduce a dynamic streamlined structure for the association was unanimously accepted at an EGM held in May, stated: “I’m delighted to become the first National President of what is a new BACTA. This is a really important phase in the life of an organization, which has served the industry well and that turns 50 next year.

“The purpose of the reorganization was to create a structure that is more aligned to the dynamic nature of the leisure entertainment business we are all involved as well as a structure that would appeal to a broader constituency of BACTA members.

“Ours is an industry packed with talent and energy and this structure enables BACTA to draw on those talents and attributes, remove the bureaucracy that slows the decision-making process down and, instead, get on representing the business interests of our members with gusto, focus and creativity.

“We have been really pleased with the level of engagement evident in the volume of nominations received for the new positions and the numbers who have voted. Both the Amusement Council and the Gaming Council include members who have not previously had any official involvement in BACTA and I look forward to their insights and perspectives on the future of the business.”

BACTA Vice-President, Jospeh Cullis, added: “Huge credit should go to John for taking-on the restructure program. The arguments presented to members were based on thorough research, careful analysis and experience coupled with a vision for the future. This isn’t a cosmetic exercise but a measured and strategic initiative that gives the industry the very best chance to succeed in what is a competitive and challenging environment.”

Bacta took another opportunity to put the UK industry’s case for the implementation of a fair and progressive regulatory framework when it co-hosted the Minister for Gambling, The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP, at two of London’s leading high street venues.

The Minister gained first-hand insight of the issues facing operators courtesy of visits to the Luxury Leisure AGC in Hammersmith, West London and the adjacent MERKUR Slots.

As well as meeting with senior executives representing two of the country’s biggest high street gaming investors Mr Andrew also received an industry-wide perspective on the White Paper from bacta’s Greg Wood and John Bollom.

Bacta Chief Executive John White who organised the visit in conjunction with Stuart Andrew’s Private Office believes the opportunity to showcase a combination of the latest digital gaming product, the quality of the retailing experience provided on the high street and the industry’s overarching commitment to safer gambling helped reinforce the arguments being deployed by bacta in the post White Paper consultations.

“it’s no secret that operators and the extended supply chain has suffered badly due to the lack of understanding about our sector” he stated. “The only way to address misperceptions is to show politicians and policy makers exactly what it is that we do and, most importantly the professional and responsible way in which we deliver it. Speaking with the Minister’s Private office I know that he found it very useful to see things on the ground as well as learn about some of the ongoing challenges which bacta members are facing on a daily basis.

“I am extremely grateful to the teams at both Novomatic UK and MERKUR UK for their time hosting the Minister and for putting the industry’s case forward so eloquently.”

MrQ makes Slingo history by becoming the frst UK operator to offer Free Rounds on premiere Slingo titles.

MrQ has launched with Free Spins compatibility on some of the top titles from Slingo, opening new ways for players to enjoy Slingo games on MrQ.

MrQ players can now enjoy free rounds on popular Slingo games including Slingo Super Spin, Slingo XXXtreme and Saucy Slingo.

The launch of Free Spins follows the release of Saucy Slingo; a fully exclusive Slingo game only available on MrQ, and is another huge milestone for MrQ and its players.

Satpal Chaggar, Head of Product at MrQ, said: “As long-term supporters of Gaming Realms and the Slingo product, we jumped at the chance to be the first global partner to gift free Slingo games. This opportunity is further enhanced by the launch of Saucy Slingo; our new fully exclusive Slingo game only available on MrQ. We’re confident that our collaboration will lead to future mutual growth in an exciting new chapter.”

Ian Robson, Commercial Account Manager at Gaming Realms, said “Saucy Slingo is a really fun exclusive title in partnership with MrQ and has the added excitement that this game will feature our new free rounds tool, representing yet another first for Gaming Realms. “We are genuinely thrilled to be working with MrQ in this capacity and are excited to further strengthen our partnership with a key online casino brand.”

Slingo Free Spins, and the subsequent release of Saucy Slingo exclusively on MrQ, follows a stellar Q2 of 2023 for the operator including a new upcoming TV advert featuring Saucy Slingo and the release of Slingo Free Spins on MrQ.

John White, CEO of UK trade association bacta, has responded to the labour crisis facing businesses in the amusements and low stake gaming sectors by urging the Government to remove some of the barriers to being employed in the UK.

Speaking seven years after Britain voted to withdraw from the European Union John White stated: “Brexit coupled with the impact of Covid has led to many of the European workers who were employed in hospitality returning to their country of birth and simply not returning to the UK. Their perception is that the UK is no longer an attractive proposition for a variety of reasons not least the cost-of-living crisis, employment opportunities and the bureaucracy involved gaining work visas.

“The fundamental change that bacta members require is for the government to place jobs in our sector on the shortage occupations list. Having a more dynamic approach to labour shortages is paramount.

He noted: “From a business perspective the free movement of people was a godsend: however, it was not what the population voted for in 2016 and it’s unlikely to return. The big challenge for this and for future governments is to identify how to replicate the benefits of free movement and balance the outcome with the political imperative of demonstrating that the UK has control of its borders.”

The Scottish city of Aberdeen has a new and dynamic destination venue to add to its thriving entertainment economy following the launch of the UK’s first MERKUR Casino. The venue was officially opened by Irina Ruf, CEO, MERKUR Casino, alongside MERKUR UK General Manager Sascha Blodau, and Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer, MERKUR Casino UK.

The grand opening which was attended by local dignitaries, business leaders and colleagues from the gaming industry, featured guest acts the Red Hot Chilli Pipers who have sold out arenas around the world and singer Chris Ashton who has supported Lewis Capaldi, and performed privately for stars, including two times Wimbledon men’s singles champion Sir Andrew Murray OBE.

The MERKUR Casino Aberdeen, which has undergone a substantial refurbishment programme features four Roulette Tables, two Blackjack tables a three Card Poker, two Electronic Roulette products and a machine offering which comprises 20 of the latest B1 Jackpot Machines from top performing brands including Novomatic, IGT and Blueprint.

Irina Ruf, CEO, MERKUR Casino, said: “We are delighted to have made history by opening the first MERKUR Casino in the UK.

“Whilst the MERKUR brand is synonymous with delivering the very best, socially responsible low-stake slots and bingo experience on high streets throughout Great Britain, as an international brand we have a wealth of knowledge operating Casinos across Europe. When the opportunity arose to purchase a licence in Aberdeen it was a natural progression to move into the sector and launch our first UK casino.”

Describing Aberdeen as being a ‘perfect location’ she added: “The city has a thriving night-time economy and earlier this year retained its Purple Flag status which recognises the safety and vibrancy of the night-time economy. We hope to add to that vibrancy with best in breed gaming entertainment and promote the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents alike.”