Press Releases
Date : 14th December 2011
Embracing the challenges
(December 14th) – IOA Group chief executive Peter Weir currently heads up BACTA¹s Division Two. According to Weir, the association remains one of the most powerful voices in the industry, and its continued efforts to bolster the sector are particularly important amid the currently adverse trading conditions.
This has been a challenging year for our members, and there is still a feeling of gloom across the industry for a variety of reasons, most of which are well documented, and a number of which are outside our industry but do have a significant impact on our customer and player base. During these challenging times, BACTA has demonstrated to be one of the most powerful voices for our industry when communicating and negotiating with the policy and political decision makers. Since the 2005 Gambling Act, a number of factors have impacted our products, and in particular SWPs.
Whilst there has been a co-ordinated campaign by BACTA, the new rules produced and implemented by HMRC and the Gambling Commission have had a devastating impact on the appeal and performance of the SWP, due to poor income levels and these machines are now being removed from sites.
The commercial implications to members has been significant, which raises questions about the long term future of the SWP. This product has been around for circa 25 years, providing players with great entertainment and good value for money. The future of this product is in jeopardy, and it is a challenge that we in BACTA need to embrace in order to ensure the product survives.
IOA contact: Ken Mullarkey (Sales Executive)
Tel: 01622 719163
Mob: 07768 537101
Email: ken.mullarkey@i-o-a.com
Media enquiries to Chris Jones at Scott & Jones Communications
Tel: 01273 699900
Email: info@sjc.co.uk
