Gambling Laws in the UK Facing Another Review

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: January 6, 2021

The issue of banning sports sponsorship and restricting online casino gambling is being considered as part of a “reformer’s shopping list” with suggestions for consideration.

The long-awaited revision, which could delay the passage of much of the 2005 Gambling Act, will begin with an initial request for evidence.

At the same time, a mandate will be issued that provides a first indication of what to expect from the gaming industry, as well as what activists are calling for stricter regulation.

With growing concern about the role of gambling in society, expected modifications will involve:

• Restrictions on prizes, stakes, and “spin speed”.
• Strict access control.
• New product testing program.
• Prohibition of sports sponsorship.
• New features to handle the parallel market
• The legal redress for the wrong wagerer.
• Compulsory tax to fund drug dependence treatment.

Strict Laws Will Hit Online Casino Owners and Bookmakers

A wide spectrum is likely to be welcomed by supporters of strict rules. It includes users recovering from betting problems and more than 50 members of parliament and colleagues who have supported tighter controls. However, the possibility of strict regulations will hit online casino owners and bookmakers.

Many sources said that officials from the DCMS, which is leading the process, are referring to virtually every area of gambling law, which an insider calls a “shopping list for reformers.”

The regulation of online casinos and electronic slot machines are key issues. Players have unlimited online bets, while some internet games, like Roulette, are no different from those available in the fixed odds terminals, where the maximum bet has been reduced from £ 100 to £2.

Together with the new maximum rates, it will be possible to reduce prices and limit the speed of the game.

Ministers will examine whether companies should be forced to restrict monthly user losses and impose tighter controls over availability to ensure that people play to their best potential. They will also strive to implement a “single customer view” strategy, in which multiple companies collect information on potentially weak clients.

This follows a series of high-profile incidents in which troubled players felt penniless after losing a lot of money.

As part of the proposals to be reviewed by the DMCS, new game products may also go through a rigorous testing process that determines if they can be brought to market and what bets can be placed on. Also considered are the so-called white label operations, when foreign companies can gain access to the UK market through a local company.

For BGC It Is Important that the Review is Evidence-Based

The BGC has frequently stated that over-tightening of the rules could spur a barely sustainable black market for gambling. However, DCMS will address the issue of the regulator, the Gambling Commission, which has acknowledged that it lacks the funds, additional financial resources, and new powers to fight illegal operators.

According to the source, the review will also look at advertising and marketing. It also includes the possibility of new rules to control sponsorship of sports, including logos on soccer jerseys, as an obvious reaction to the betting of Football.

It also indicates that the government is unhappy with the industry and the Gambling Commission’s efforts to tackle the problems of VIP programs, bonuses, and so-called “free bets”.

VIP programs in which unsuccessful players, dine, and get a financial bonus to keep playing are a common feature of stories of troubled players who commit the crime or commit suicide.

DCMS will think about implementing the current levy scheme that funds drug dependence treatment. However, the ministry is not expected to address the often criticized lack of funding for gambling addiction treatment, as this will be left to the discretion of the DCMS.

According to the BGC, It is important that the review is evidence-based and creates the balance between protecting the vulnerable without compromising the pleasure of the 30 million or so beneficiaries who play at least once a month – most of them surely do it safely – and lead them into the arms of an unregulated online black market.