UK: Licensed operators make their point at open events from the Gambling Commission

Arcade operators, off-course bookmakers, on course bookmakers and gaming machine suppliers have attended the events.

The main feature of each day has been an open forum with senior figures at the Commission. Operators have been able to make clear their concerns about the industry and the Commission has clarified its approach to issues such as self-exclusion and test purchasing.

There has been a frank exchange of views at each event and despite the difficult economic times in the industry the majority of operators have backed the events. To date, over 70% of those who attended rated the overall day as good or excellent overall.

The Commission’s CEO Jenny Williams, who attended the events in Cardiff and Chester, said: “This has been an invaluable opportunity to listen to the industry’s concerns about the impact of the Gambling Act 2005 and to explain our approach. “We look forward to meeting more operators and hearing what they have to say in the next three months.”

Still to come are towns and cities as diverse as Weymouth (next event on Monday 22 March), Louth, Rotherham and Dunblane. Operators can find out more or registering at:
www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/openevents