Bacta members are on course to be at the 2024 Convention in record numbers based on the number of pre-event registrations received for the high-profile industry event.

With three weeks to go registrations are ahead of the same stage last year with members responding positively to Bacta’s ‘Going for Growth’ theme set against the new political landscape punctuated by Labour’s landslide General Election victory in July and November’s election of Kemi Badenoch as Leader of the Conservative Party. The confirmed attendance of the former Gambling Minister is likely to accelerate registrations.

Looking ahead to Convention George McGregor Bacta’s Executive Director (Government Relations) said: “First of all I am delighted that Stuart Andrew who oversaw the White Paper only to see it paused by July’s snap general election has agreed to join us at our Annual Convention. Members are responding in great numbers to both the Parliamentary Reception which is officially at full-capacity and to the Convention taking place the following day.”

He added: “Our keynote speakers which will include Stuart Andrew will feature in a panel which will explore amongst other topics the dynamics of the relationship between the industry and government, the fate of the White Paper and how we can collectively determine a future in which gaming operators are not expected to wait over a decade before they can raise their prices!”

He continued: “The Annual Convention is an important benefit of Bacta membership. It represents an invaluable opportunity to network with colleagues and quiz the politicians and officials who play such an important role in determining the future of an industry which pays an estimated £270 million in tax and contributes £1.9 billion to UK GDP.