UK govt., Gambling Commission launch wide-ranging consultations on white paper

The UK Government and the UK Gambling Commission have launched the much-awaited public consultation process on the gambling white paper, marking the next step toward the reform of gambling laws. The consultation will look at how to conduct financial risk checks for problem gambling and at what level stake limits should be set for people playing online slot games. Outdated rules that “restrict casinos and bingo halls” will also be looked at as part of the process.

“The move is the next step of the Government’s gambling white paper to update gambling rules for the smartphone era and protect those at risk of gambling harm including young adults,” said the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. “The gambling industry, clinicians, academics, those with firsthand experience of harm, and the general public are invited to share their views.”

Stake limits for online gaming

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew said: “Three months ago we laid out proposals to update gambling laws and make them fit for the smartphone age. Slot machines in casinos, arcades and betting shops have strict stake limits but very similar games online have none, which can lead to very large and rapid losses of money.”

The Minister noted online slot games are deemed “a higher-risk gambling product,” associated with large losses, long sessions and binge play, which is why a limit is being explored. According to NHS England surveys, 8.5% of online slots, casino and bingo players report experiencing problem gambling, which the DCMS notes is “nearly 20 times higher than the adult population average.” 

“The Government is consulting on a maximum stake of between £2 and £15 per spin,” confirmed Andrew. The Government is also consulting on options to introduce greater protections when playing slots for 18 to 24-year-olds, such as lower stake limits of £2 and £4, or requirements on operators to consider age as a risk factor for gambling-related harm.

Today, we’ve launched our first set of consultations on proposals put forward by the Government in its Gambling Act Review White Paper published earlier this year.

To have your say and to read more, visit the consultation page on our website 💻 https://t.co/iy57DxeKPh pic.twitter.com/of48WFkyGL

— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) July 26, 2023

According to Public Health England research, younger adults can be “particularly vulnerable” to gambling harms, due to a combination of common factors such as ongoing cognitive development and managing money for the first time.

New rules for the land-based industry?

While the online sector has seen significant growth since the 2005 Gambling Act, the DCMS says casinos and bingo halls continue to operate under “outdated rules” from that time, restricting their ability to compete with the growing iGaming sector.

According to the latest announcement, recommendations in the consultations “will allow the land-based sector to thrive sustainably, respond to customer demand, and continue to recover from the impacts of Covid, while still protecting customers.”

For the retail segment, a relaxation of casino rules to permit up to 80 gaming machines is being considered; as is a change to the higher-to-lower stakes ratio across arcades and bingo halls, which would better meet customer demands and save on energy costs. Cashless payments and legal age limits will also fall on the scope of the consultation.

The stake limit consultation will be open for 8 weeks, while the land-based consultation will be lasting 10 weeks.

UKGC also launches consultation

“These consultations from the Government and the Gambling Commission offer the opportunity for people to have their say on proposals aimed at empowering and protecting consumers. Their launch represents a key moment in turning the commitments in the White Paper into reality,” added Gambling Commission Executive Director for Research and Policy Tim Miller.

Tim Miller

Alongside the Government consultations, the UK Gambling Commission has also published its own 12-week consultation on financial risk checks, which will force gambling operators to conduct checks to see if unusually high losses are likely to be harmful.

The Commission also said it will also consult on improving consumer choice and giving players “more control” on direct marketing, meaning they will have options to opt-in to products and choose the channels they wish to receive marketing through.

Consultations to reduce the speed and intensity of online games, strengthen age verification in premises, look at management licenses for operators and the processes of the Commission’s regulatory panel also started Wednesday, Miller confirmed.

And later this summer, the Government will also launch a consultation on the details of the new gambling operator levy, a charge on betting companies to fund gambling research, education and treatment, exploring options for the design of the levy, the amount to be collected, funding distribution and governance.

More clinics coming to the UK

“Harmful gambling has widespread impacts. It affects more than people’s money, but their relationships and health as well,” said Health Minister Will Quince, in a statement along with the DCMS announcement. “We are working to protect people from the damaging impacts of harmful gambling by improving treatment options with specialist NHS gambling addiction treatment services.”

Seven new gambling clinics will open during the summer “bringing vital support to more parts of the country,” on top of the eight that are already open, noted Quince, adding the NHS will be working “to better understand the evidence received in order to inform our approach.”