The proposed Machine Gaming Duty in the UK is already having an effect on the market, according to some in the industry.

Speaking with InterGame at the EAG International show last week, which he described as "OK", Harry Levy's Colin Mallery said: "This new tax is already making a hell of a difference to what some operators are buying as well as how many people they are employing. Speaking with one customer this week, he expressed real concern over the implications of the extra tax and whether he'll be able to cope financially."

Crown Leisure's Dean Harding also expressed concern, saying: "We had a disappointing first day at this year's EAG show and while it was busy for a few hours it filtered out about 3pm. The second day also got off to a slow start, but then it is a challenging market and from the customer's point of view I can see why they aren't willing to make any decisions at the moment. They are strangled by uncertainty and legislation."

BACTA has initiated an online petition against the MGD, which you can sign by clicking here.