Gambling Commission CEO: We can do better than a ‘stable’ problem gambling rate
McArthur calls on industry to “place the consumer at the heart of everything it does”
Gambling Commission CEO Neil McArthur has called on the gambling industry to improve upon called ‘stable’ problem gambling rates.
Recent Gambling Commission statistics have highlighted a stabilisation in these rates at 0.7% of the UK population, but McArthur called argued this was “not a good news story for the regulator or for the industry.”
Speaking at the CMS gambling conference, McArthur said the industry needs to “continue to accelerate progress around what’s keeping gamblers safe” and this issue needs to be pushed up the agenda for operators and investors alike.
McArthur added: “This needs to be done in a way that puts player safety and player enjoyment absolutely at the heart and things that are largely driven by operators. If these questions are asked, it could make a big difference in the long term.”
Referencing his own experience of gambling online, McArthur cited an example where he had placed a bet on the Grand National, only to be offered access to online slots once that bet was placed. McArthur then highlighted the fact that he was directed to the new deposit page once his gambling had stopped as an example of where consumer safety was being suborned for profits.
McArthur said the industry should look to an environment where the numbers of people suffering significant, moderate or those at risk of harm from gambling all reduce, as this will “ultimately benefit everyone”, from consumer to operator to regulator.