Bacta
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| Category | Self-exclusion register |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 3, 1974 |
| Address | 29–30 Ely Place, London, EC1N 6TD, England |
| Official website | https://bacta.org.uk |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | Phone, In-person |
| Helpline hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Helpline number | 02039309769 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| X (Twitter) | Visit |
| Last Updated | 11.03.2026 |
Bacta (the British Amusement Catering Trade Association) is the leading trade association representing the amusements and low-stake gambling industry in Great Britain.
What is Bacta and how it works
Bacta (British Amusement Catering Trade Association) is a membership-based trade association founded in 1974, representing the amusements and low-stake gambling entertainment industry in Great Britain. Bacta It is registered in England and Wales as a private limited company (No. 05324554).[1]
Its membership comprises approximately 500 companies operating, manufacturing, and distributing around 310,000 machines in seaside arcades, adult gaming centres (AGCs), pubs, clubs, and bingo halls across Britain.[2]
Bacta operates a national self-exclusion scheme for AGCs through a dedicated subsidiary: Bacta Self-Exclusion Services Limited (Co. No. 10012887), incorporated 18 February 2016.[3]
How Bacta helps gamblers
The Bacta Portal allows consumers to self-exclude from a specific venue or nationally. Exclusion is effective immediately upon signing a declaration at the venue. The excluded person is barred from the visited AGC and all arcades within a 1 km radius.[4]
Bacta has partnered with GamCare to manage transferred calls and provide specialist support. It also works with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and participates in the national Safer Gambling Week.
What you need for registration with Bacta
To self-exclude, a person must visit an AGC in person, provide proof of identity (driving licence, passport, or citizen card) and a selfie photo. The process cannot be completed through self-registration online - contact with a venue manager or administrator is required.
How to register at Bacta online
Online self-registration is not available. To enrol, visit an AGC in person or call Bacta Self-Exclusion Services on 02039309769.[5]
How to remove Bacta self-exclusion
Step 1. Check if your self-exclusion period is over
Bacta self-exclusions last 6 to 12 months. At the end of the chosen period, the exclusion is automatically extended for another 6 months unless the person requests reinstatement.
Step 2. Contact Bacta to make the cancellation request
Call 02039309769 or email [email protected] during office hours (Mon - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm).
Step 3. Cooling-off period
A cooling-off period applies before access is reinstated.
Step 4. Cancellation
Venues are notified through the Bacta Portal.[6]
Responsible gambling after removing Bacta
Set deposit and loss limits right away
Setting a firm budget beforehand prevents chasing losses on gaming machines.
Bet small to stay in control
Stick to lower-stake machines and make smaller bets to prolong your entertainment time without risking significant financial harm.
Take gambling-free days
Ensure that gambling does not become a daily habit again by deliberately scheduling days where you do not visit any arcades or gambling venues.
Stick to essentials first
Always prioritize your essential living costs, such as rent, bills, and groceries, before allocating any disposable income to gambling activities.
FAQ
Can I still gamble on Bacta?
No. Once registered, you cannot gamble at any covered AGC for the duration of the exclusion.
Is Bacta available for all gambling sites?
No. Bacta covers Adult Gaming Centres, high street arcades, motorway service areas, and family entertainment centres with age-controlled sections. GambleAware It does not cover online gambling, casinos, or betting shops.
How to gamble online when on Bacta?
Bacta exclusion does not cover online gambling. For online self-exclusion, use Gamstop.
Can I cancel Bacta before my self-exclusion ends?
No. You cannot leave the scheme before the exclusion period has expired.
How long does it take to remove Bacta?
Removal is processed after the full exclusion period plus any automatic extension. A cooling-off period applies before reinstatement is confirmed.
Can I cancel Bacta if I was signed up by someone else?
No. Self-exclusion is voluntary and personal. Only the registered individual can request cancellation, and only after the exclusion period ends.
References
- ↑ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05324554
- ↑ https://safergamblinguk.org/about-us/industry-commitments-to-safer-gambling/bacta-commitments-to-safer-gambling
- ↑ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10012887
- ↑ https://bacta.org.uk/safer-gambling/
- ↑ https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/free-multi-operator-and-national-self-exclusion-schemes
- ↑ https://bactaportal.org.uk/