Betting and Gaming Council Comments on APPG’s Newest Report on Gambling-Related Harms

Following APPG’s year-long inquiry, the Group published a report urging the relevant instances to enhance protections of online gamblers. Among 30 recommendations suggested by this community, there are proposals for a complete overhaul of gambling regulation in the UK, modified stake limits, ban on VIP schemes, and many more.

In response to the report, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) pointed out that there’s no increase in activity during the current situation. The institution also stresses out putting constant efforts to help those people for whom gambling does become a problem.

A BGC spokesperson observed:

“Over 20 million adults enjoy gambling occasionally, whether that’s on the National Lottery, bingo, sports or gaming, including online, and the overwhelming majority of them do so safely.”

Substantial Changes Were Made

Since the BGC was formed as the standards body last year, it has driven a number of significant changes across the industry.

Encouraging deposit limits…

…establishing advertising restrictions, monitoring play, and spend are just some of the sectors where the institution’s contribution is visible. This comprehensive approach enables them to intervene immediately and prevent customers from getting into difficulties.

Moreover, BGC introduced new stricter ID and age verifications, implemented the ban on credit cards, and massively increased funding for research, education, and treatment.

A Council’s spokesperson added:

“Of course there will always be people who are anti-gambling and prohibitionists who are not interested in the fact the regulated industry s over 100,000 jobs and pays over £3 billion in tax. But we have to avoid measures that could drive people away from gambling safely with online companies who operate in what is rightly already a heavily regulated market, to instead gambling online with the unregulated, offshore, black market, illegal operators that don’t conform to any standards or safeguards to protect problem gamblers and the most vulnerable.”

More Stringent Measures Needed

All-Party Parliamentary Group represents an informal group of of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues. One of the major goals of this institution is “To address the issues associated with Gambling Related Harm” and provide a platform for discussion and investigation of this segment.

In their year-long inquiry…

…the team addressed multiple points that need to be changed. Considering the current regulator “not fit for the purpose”, they demand a complete overhaul of the gambling regulations in the UK. Moreover, they advocate a new Gambling Act, as the current one, from 2005, is not so suitable for the digital age.

Here’s what else the organization demands:

• Stake limits for online slot content of no higher than £2 and urgent review of the stakes, deposits and prize limits
• Complete review and classification of online products
• A ban on all VIP schemes and inducements, as well as on all gambling advertising
• Affordability limits set and imposed by the GC
• A mandatory ‘smart’ levy paid by gambling operators to fund independent research, education, prevention, and treatment

Source:

“BGC statement on APPG report”, bettingandgamingcouncil.com, June 15, 2020.