UK Issues Gambling Act Whitepaper

Yesterday the United Kingdom issued a white paper on the country's gambling industry for the first time in 18 years, bringing with it a series of different measures that will be transforming the betting market moving forward.

The Gambling Act review was announced over two years ago and has seen numerous changes being prepared to promote safer gambling. It will also update rules surrounding gambling advertising. There will be additional reviews and consultations to decide how changes will be implemented, which will take some time.

Among the changes being implemented to the UK's gambling laws are:

• Detailed affordability checks for who lose £1,000 in 24 hours or £2,000 over 90 days
• Passive checks on players who have a net loss of £125 per month or £500 per year
• Stake limits for games being subject to consultation, with a slot limit of around £2 to £15
• Lower thresholds for new accounts
• More triggers to set off enhanced checks for players aged between 18 to 24 years old
• A levy to go to the UKGC to fund gambling harm research, education, and treatment programs
• An ombudsman to help facilitate player disputes with operators
• Possible rule changes for online games
• Restrictions on VIP programs to reduce gambling-related harm
• A review of the UKGC's fees
• Regulation for prize draws and competitions being looked into
• A ban on players under 18 using fruit machines
• Discussion on allowing contactless payments for gambling machines
• Changing verification slogan to "Think 25" to "Think 21"
• Allowing casinos to offer sportsbetting on-site
• A 5:1 ratio for slot machines to table games
• Smaller land casinos getting to have extra machines being dictated by floorspace
• Consultation on advertising controls for players, such as opting-in for bonuses or offers
• Stronger messaging on gambling-related harms
• Confronting black market gambling sites and advertising

The white paper generated comment from a number of those in the gambling industry. Trade body the Betting and Gaming Council was among the first to issue comment, with CEO Michael Dugher noting: "These proposed measures will mean significant change but hopefully much needed regulatory stability to ensure our members can focus entirely on delivering for customers.

"This white paper is a once in a generation moment for change and its publication must draw a line under the lengthy and often polarised debates on gambling. Betting and gaming is popular, contrary to misconceptions, the numbers of people betting are stable and not increasing, problem gambling rates are stable and low and our members are a genuine British business success story, ploughing billions into the economy.

"The focus should now be on continuing to drive higher standards while investing in jobs and businesses in the UK's world-leading regulated industry."