The UK gambling regulation is constantly under review to ensure the industry is safe and protect at-risk players. Since the introduction of the 2005 Gambling Act, various regulations have been introduced to this effect. Recent years have also seen a tremendous expansion of the gambling industry, calling regulators into reviewing existing laws to adapt to emerging challenges.
2020, in particular, saw the introduction of new reviews regarding several gambling laws. Continue reading to find out the possible gambling regulation reviews and proposals that might affect the player experience in 2022.
What’s Under Review?
The gambling regulation changes will undoubtedly affect the overall player experience. Even pundits favouring more responsible gambling laws fear the overhauls might increase unwanted opportunities as players flee to well-known casino sites not on GamStop exclusion which are available in the UK.
Moreover, since the UK players can play wherever they want, schemes such as GamStop and other regulations from the commission may not adequately solve existing issues for at-risk players. Here are five possible gambling regulation reviews:
Imposing Stake Limits
The UK Gambling Commission has considered imposing limits on the amount players can bet on casinos licensed by the commission. Mr Neil McArthur, chief of the Gambling Commission, had informed the parliamentary committee about the commission’s intention to consider limiting online stakes as part of their efforts towards curbing problem gambling and protecting vulnerable players.
If this new regulation is enforced, players will no longer bet freely online unless they prove enough income to support the activity. MPs had suggested a £2 limit for bets placed on slot games in land-based casinos. The commission plans to review all proposals and set safe gambling limits for different games offered across online and offshore gambling destinations.
Mandatory Affordability Checks
The commission announced a consultation period during which players were invited to provide their opinion concerning the idea of mandatory affordability checks. Although the announced checks have resulted in many controversies, the UKGC is committed to establishing affordability checks to minimise the gambling harm on vulnerable players.
In simple terms, the checks involve identifying customers who shell out more than £100 per month on gambling, particularly sports fans betting on football, horse races, etc. The goal is to limit such players from spending more on gambling activity, primarily if their finances can’t adequately support such leisure expenses. However, affordability checks have come under criticism, centred on advertisements and promotions targeting sportsbooks.
Banning Sports Sponsorships
The sports sponsorship ban is among the critical reforms targeted by the UKGC. It covers all forms of advertising and marketing deals sportsbooks have cut with clubs and tournaments in the UK. According to stats, clubs in the UK Premier League received about £69.6 million in the 2019-2020 season from jersey branding deals.
The second-tier EFL league also has about 15 clubs with jersey sponsorships from gambling operators. Since millions of viewers watch sporting events, such partnerships thrust gambling brands to the forefront of user screens every weekend, leaving them vulnerable to betting. The EFL earlier released a statement on the revenue it generated from the casino gambling industry to support club development and avoid financial fallout, especially after Covid19.
However, sports sponsorships do little to help vulnerable players undergoing gambling addiction treatment. The commission has laid down its commitment to banning gambling companies from advertising their brands through sports.
Addiction Treatment Responsibility
There’s no doubt about gambling harm and the role casino/sportsbook operators have in luring players to continue betting. According to a study in 2021, the UK has about 300,000 to 1.4 million problem gamblers, and only 3% receive specialised help. The revelation was alarming for the commission and other bodies dedicated to responsible gambling.
Lack of funding is among the primary reasons punters aren’t receiving the best treatment for their addiction. However, exposure to gambling-related content and lures like free bets and VIP services do little to help their course. Successive lockdowns also increased the popularity of online casino games, leaving a surplus of players who need specialised help.
The commission is considering reviewing gambling regulations to include addiction treatment, use all possible options that can help players, and incentivise programs such as GamStop and Gamban that offer players gambling support and opt-outs.
The Testing Regime
According to the commission, the UK gambling review will involve major considerations concerning the testing regime for new gambling products and operators. Advocates of strict control and tight gambling regulations have welcomed this consideration. It will provide sufficient time to review all major areas of the gambling law before products are allowed into the market.
The DCMS (Department for digital culture media and sports) is tasked with reviewing all aspects of the UK gambling law to bring about the positive changes sought by the commission. The testing regime will be highlighted by thoroughly assessing gambling products, services, practices, policies and compliances.
Operators and game providers will also face stricter regulations to ensure all products are fair and comply with other existing gambling laws in the country.
Summary
Gambling regulations will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape and challenges. 2022 should see the introduction of new requirements for different stakeholders as well as expansion of services such as GamStop. As reiterated by the commission and other organisations, the goal is to reform the gambling industry and inspire positive changes to benefit the exploited mass.
However, the commission must complete gambling reviews with consideration for all evidence to ensure a balance between protecting at-risk players without ruining the fun and leisure for others. Positive reform is meant to create a safe and sustainable environment that takes care of vulnerable players through best practices and accountability from all stakeholders. The UKGC already prohibits credit cards and enforces the KYC technology to facilitate GamStop self-exclusion.
