Speaking at its annual general meeting, Bacta president Greg Wood emphasized the need for regulatory changes to foster innovation and growth in the casino games sector. Wood highlighted the current limitations imposed by outdated legislation and called for a new, two-step process or regulatory sandboxes for machine development. These measures would provide operators the flexibility and impetus to create new products and services relevant to the casino games industry.
The proposed two-step process or regulatory sandboxes would enable testing of new machines in real-world venues, allowing for a controlled evaluation of data and impacts. This data would then be used to address regulatory concerns and provide evidence on the effectiveness of new concepts and technologies.
Wood also emphasized the reintroduction of regular reviews of stakes and prizes, which would allow operators to update their products accordingly. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of lifting the ban on debit card payments directly to machines, particularly as society becomes increasingly cashless following the impact of Covid-19.
Other requests made by Bacta include subdivision of category C gaming machines to encourage the development of new products, increasing the number of gaming machines permitted in alcohol licensed premises from two to four, and permitting linked jackpots in all venues. These requests aim to facilitate growth and provide enhanced experiences for casino gamers.
Wood acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, including the failure to secure a 5% value-added tax (VAT) rate for seaside hospitality and delays in the reopening of adult gaming centers due to Covid-19 lockdowns. He also highlighted the lack of formal support for the casino games sector’s supply chain from the government.
Despite the setbacks, Wood expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the industry’s resilience and ability to rebuild and reinvent itself. He mentioned the significant investments already made post-reopening and the ongoing commitment to providing the best experiences for customers in the casino games sector.
