Representatives from the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (bacta), the Bingo Association and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have finalised the Safer Game Design Code, in a bid to safeguard those vulnerable to problem gambling.
One of the key changes the adoption of the code will bring is related to the visual and auditory ‘celebrations’ given out by the machines following jackpot wins.
New iterations of land-based machines will no longer do this for wins smaller than the consumer’s initial stake.
Work on the code started before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, following calls from the Gambling Commission; to implement greater measures to prevent consumers from developing gambling problems from land-based gaming machines.
The development of a code for land-based machines follows last year’s release of a similar edition for online gambling.
Bacta CEO John White said: “It is a significant achievement for the whole industry to reach agreement on such a broad topic. Nevertheless, the challenge was one that had to be met and we now have a Code that again demonstrates the industry’s commitment to socially responsible recreational gaming.
“It adds to a long list of industry initiatives that have played their part in reducing problem gambling rates to the historically low level of 0.2% of the population.”
Bingo Association CEO Miles Baron said: “The Bingo Association is pleased to support this Code in partnership with bacta and the BGC, demonstrating the ability of the land-based sector to come together when required to strengthen safer gambling protocols.”
BGC Executive Director Wes Himes added: “We welcome this Code as another example of the industry driving higher standards to address the issues of risk and we will continue to introduce further measures based on evidence in our fight to prevent harm.”
