People at risk of gambling-related harm will be better protected under government plans to update betting rules for the digital age.
- Plans include a mandatory levy on betting firms to pay for treatment of addiction, new player protection checks and stake limits for online slots
- Move will see Gambling Commission get tougher powers and follows recent high-profile fines against gambling operators for failing to protect people at risk
- Problem gambling affects an estimated 300,000 people and can lead to people losing life-changing sums of money
Millions of people enjoy gambling every year – whether that be putting money on a 123 orders and work with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to take down and block illegal gambling sites.
”As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance.”
Minister for Public 123 governing bodies to sign up to a cross-sport Code of Practice on gambling sponsorship. It will be designed to improve standards where gambling sponsorship is prevalent in sport similar to what is in place in the alcohol industry.
The White Paper will support the ‘land-based’ gambling sector including casinos, arcades and bingo halls, while maintaining safeguards to protect vulnerable groups. Bingo halls, seaside arcades and casinos create employment, generate tourism and provide 123 research has shown younger adults can be particularly vulnerable to gambling harms, and with a problem gambling rate of 8.5 per cent for online slots, casinos and bingo, the Government will launch a consultation on options for specific protections for under 25s, including a lower stake limit or other controls.
Player protection checks
In a move aimed at supporting those who may be suffering harm or in the grip of addiction, gambling operators will now be required to do more to protect customers.
Betting companies will be required to conduct seamless player protection checks on the highest spending gamblers to check they’re not incurring harmful losses. These checks will happen instantaneously, and will not impact gameplay, unless there are signs of financial harm where people may have declared bankruptcy, or are racking up debts to fund their gambling.
The checks will be targeted to where there is the most risk of harm. They are not about checking up on people having a flutter on the football or placing the odd bet on horse racing.
Around eight in ten players will never undergo checks. Checks will happen in the background against information already available online, so those who are checked will not notice.
Only about three percent of the highest spending accounts will have more detailed checks, similar to those carried out when people buy 123 protecting those most at risk of harm.
The White Paper proposes reforming the fee structure for the Gambling Commission to give it greater flexibility to respond to any emerging risks and challenges posed by the industry. While the Commission continues to take strong action against operators who break the rules, cases with devastating financial harm are still occurring, and in the worst cases lives are being 1 as a result of gambling harm and addiction.
Restricting bonus offers
The call for evidence showed that while millions of people enjoy an occasional bet every year without issue, particular groups such as those suffering addiction and harm, are at greater risk from certain aggressive advertising practices.
Bonus offers, such as free bets or spins, can drive harmful behaviour and trigger people to spend more than they intended. The Gambling Commission will take a closer look at how bonuses are constructed and targeted to prevent them being used in harmful ways and its work will inform new rules to stop dangerous practices.
Horseracing levy
The knock-on impact of the gambling White Paper on the horseracing industry will be minimal, but there will be a review into the current horserace betting levy to make certain racing continues to be appropriately funded for the future.
Other measures
In addition, the Government’s White Paper also today confirms it will:
- Remove loopholes to prevent under-18s from accessing any form of online gambling, cash prize fruit machines or widely accessible scratchcards;
- Review the fees which local authorities can charge for premise licences and create new powers for local leaders to conduct impact assessments when considering new applications.
- Review of online game design rules to look at limiting speed of play and other characteristics which exacerbate risks.
