Bacta launches working group for UK gaming machine standards

The intention is to certify that every UK gaming machine as fit for purpose and meets regulatory and industry requirements.

Bacta named Alan Claypool as the chairman of the new group, with Matt Ingram takin the position of vice chair.

Ingram holds the position of chief product officer at Reflex Gaming, while Claypool is currently head of product at Blueprint Gaming.

“The recent emergence of land-based digital gaming has introduced new technologies, applications and enhanced player experiences into the gaming industry,”  said Claypool.

“It would now seem appropriate to review the existing BACTA industry standards.”

“The use of industry- agreed technical standards provides machine operators with certain commonality across different technologies and gaming cabinets, therefore improving serviceability and configuration,” he added.

The group is made up of several machine manufacturers and operators, as well as the Gambling Business Group.

“This is a big programme of work and we are very grateful to Alan and Matt for taking it on,” said John White, CEO of Bacta. “Until now the industry standards were ably curated by Bos Anderson Director of Technology at Bell-Fruit Games and Bob Lawrence who was formerly at Barcrest but who is now retired.”

“The fact that many of these industry standards have been successfully employed in machines over many many years is testament to their work.”

Last year, Bacta announced that it will prohibit under-18s from playing Category D cash fruit machines in seaside arcades and family entertainment centres. The proposal came into effect on 1 March.