UK government pledges stronger online gambling protections
DCMS introduces new responsible gambling obligations and light advertising restrictions following triennial review
The UK government today unveiled proposals to strengthen protections around online gambling for “vulnerable people and children” as part of its long-awaited triennial review findings, focused primarily on fixed odds betting terminals.
Minister for gambling Tracy Crouch this morning announced the Gambling Commission will consult on changes to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) next year, with the aim of raising standards on player protection online.
She also announced that operators will be obliged to provide £10m-14m for responsible gambling campaign over two years.
The DCMS noted: “The campaign will include TV adverts, including around live sport, as well as radio, cinema, online and print. The campaign will be funded by gambling operators, including online-only betting firms, with airspace and digital media provided by broadcasters.”
The DCMS added that operators should step up on funding for research, education and treatment saying: “If not, government will consider other options, including introducing a mandatory levy on gambling operators.”
GambleAware fell £5m short of its £13m industry contributions target last year.
The government announcement also said new advertising guidelines will be drawn up by the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP).
Crouch also confirmed previous media reports that the government would pledge to reduce the stake limit on FOBTs from £100 to one of four options: £2, £20, £30 and £50. The spin rate could also potentially reduced from every 20 seconds to one every minute, more in line with land-based gambling.
“It is vital that we strike the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting the most vulnerable, including children, from gambling-related harm,” Crouch said.
She added: “Given the strong evidence and public concerns about the risks of high stakes gaming machines on the high street, we are convinced of the need for action. That is why today we have set out a package of proposals to ensure all consumers and wider communities are protected.
“We have seen online gambling grow rapidly and we need to protect players in this space, while also making sure those experiencing harm relating to gambling receive the help they need.”
There will now be a 12-week consultation process with a deadline of 23 January 2018.