The UK trade association BACTA is set to trial a new system to prevent children from engaging with low stake AWPs. BACTA, the UK trade association, has revealed that it agreed to evaluate new changes to its Code of Conduct. This is part of an attempt to prevent children from playing low stake AWPs in seaside arcades. BACTA would trial a new AWP system to implement those changes. The change in its Code of Conduct would inform players that they must be aged 16 or over to play or be accompanied by an adult. The initiative was accepted at a special meeting on the association’s seaside arcade operators.

BACTA said that the plan comes after talks were held with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the governing body DCMS and members of the UK Parliament that are involved in the gambling industry. BACTA CEO John White said: “As providers of family entertainment to nearly 20 million people annually, it is important we reflect what our customers want. We have listened carefully to the debate about children and gambling and we want to ensure we do everything we can to augment our existing safeguarding measures. “Evidence suggests that any risk of gambling-related harm from seaside arcades is tiny, but we want to go as far as we can to reduce this even further. This initiative does just that and will reassure everyone that our seaside arcades will continue to be safe and enjoyable places for generations of families and friends to spend their leisure time.” (2019/08/05)