As part of the Gambling Review, the Gambling Commission has published the advice it has provided to Government on Thursday, April 27.
The main aim of the advice is to further protect those at risk of experiencing gambling harm and at the same time to enforce fairer and safer gambling for all consumers.
The Commission, as statutory advisor to the Secretary of State on gambling, has reviewed evidence from various sources and compiled their advice to Government. They will also be making a number of commitments for significant strengthening of requirements on operators. As part of this, the Commission will consult on safety measures to:
- Ensure bonus offers and incentives do not lead to excessive or harmful gambling
- Set further product controls for safer online games
- Require operators to identify and take action for financially vulnerable consumers and to tackle significant unaffordable gambling through frictionless checks that are not disruptive for consumers.
Additionally, recommendations indicate there is a need for legislative change to:
- Set stake limits for online slots
- Create an independent ombudsman to fill the gap for consumers to seek redress when they have been treated unfairly
- Introduce a statutory levy to provide effective and sustainable funding for research, education and treatment and;
- Enable a better-funded, future-proofed regulator, well equipped to tackle illegal gambling and to build new data informed approaches to make gambling safer and ensure operator compliance.
Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes said:
"The gambling industry has changed significantly since 2005 and our advice sets out changes that will ensure Britain is the safest and fairest place to gamble in the world.
The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive change for gambling in Great Britain and for all people impacted by it. Everyone at the Commission welcomes today's publication of the White Paper and is determined to work with Government and partners to make these changes a reality. Given the correct powers and resources, the Gambling Commission can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. This White Paper is a coherent package of proposals which we believe can significantly support and protect consumers, and improve overall standards in the industry.
As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance."
Read the Gambling Commission's advice.
Read the Government's White Paper.
Source: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news/article/gambling-commission-publishes-gambling-act-review-advice
