VIP invitation from EAG360 chief to UK government

EAG360 Chairman Nick Harding has invited Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Finance Minister John Healey and cabinet members to the exhibition with VIP invitations. Following the invitation, Harding said he wants government officials to see the sector up close.

The invitation follows the autumn budget of 28 October. The budget raised the Machine Games Duty rate to 25 percent and removed the business rates relief for adult gaming centres. Harding, who has a forty-year career, said he has managed more than 300 similar businesses and that he is determined to protect the sector.

EAG360 brings together operators and suppliers, from betting to bingo, and from seaside amusement centres to adult gaming centres. Amuse Expo, CompSocUK and London Gaming Show are running at the same time as part of the event. Harding reminded that trade bodies such as Bacta, the Bingo Association, the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions, and The Showmen's Guild of Great Britain are also part of this sector.

Harding warned that the tax increase could lead to business closures, job losses and a possible fall in Treasury tax revenue. He said he plans to film short clips and interviews on the show floor and share them with Healey and the Prime Minister.