Stuart Andrew Optimistic About Land-Based Gambling Reforms for a Brighter Future

Get ready for a promising vision of the future as UK Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew unveils plans to rejuvenate and modernize the land-based gambling landscape. Speaking at the esteemed Bacta Annual Convention 2023, Andrew emphasizes the government’s commitment to acknowledging the profound economic significance of the gaming arcade sector. In the wake of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, surging inflation, and energy cost hikes, Andrew’s promises herald a brighter horizon for the industry.

Stuart Andrew, the esteemed UK Gambling Minister and Secretary of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), is painting an optimistic picture for the future of land-based gambling in Britain. Speaking at the Bacta Annual Convention 2023, Andrew expressed his confidence that the proposed modernization of the sector will play a pivotal role in securing its longevity.

Acknowledging the invaluable economic contribution made by the gaming arcade sector to local communities, high streets, and coastal towns across the country, Andrew pledged the government’s support to help this industry weather recent storms. The sector has been grappling with the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and surges in energy prices.

Andrew articulated, “I recognize the commercial challenges you are facing, and I believe that the modernizing measures we are taking will help to support the move towards a brighter future. Many of you here today will be keen to understand the progress we have made on the land-based gambling proposals set out in that white paper.”

One of the prominent proposals Andrew highlighted is the plan to adjust the current 80/20 ratio for lower-stake gaming machines to align better with consumer demands and to reduce energy consumption. While Bacta advocates for a 50/50 ratio, Andrew stressed the importance of ensuring a “genuine offer of lower-stake gambling opportunities” to maintain a safe gambling environment. He acknowledged the suboptimal situation where large numbers of machines, though underused, remain energy-intensive.

Additionally, Andrew pointed to the proposed introduction of cashless payments for gaming machines and the removal of restrictions on the direct use of debit cards. He emphasized that the government will establish a “technical framework of minimum standards” for machines accepting direct cashless payments, recognizing that the transition won’t happen overnight.

In the pursuit of a fairer regulatory landscape, the government also plans to introduce a mandatory levy on gambling to fund research and support initiatives. Andrew revealed that the proposed levy rates would vary across different sectors, with a lower 0.4 percent fee suggested for land-based venues compared to 1 percent of gross gambling yield for online gambling operators. He assured that this approach is proportionate and should not burden the land-based sector unduly.

Notably, the realization of these ambitious land-based gaming reforms hinges on secondary legislation, with the government aiming for implementation by the summer of 2024. However, Andrew underscored that the timeline is contingent on parliamentary availability and procedural considerations.

Concluding his address, Stuart Andrew emphasized his commitment to being a receptive and open minister as he works towards crafting the right policies for a sustainable future for the land-based gambling industry.