UKGC sets out expanded plans to protect children

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has unveiled further commitments to protect both children and young people from the dangers of gambling.

Building on its existing efforts, the national regulator has worked in partnership with expert advisers and the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB) to identify areas for improvement.

The UKGC has pledged to focus on access and exposure to gambling by children and young people, as well as digital and online risks, preventative education and treatment, and evidence collection and consumer engagement.

Tim Miller, executive director at the UKGC, said: “We have a strong commitment to protecting children and young people from the harm gambling can pose – it’s at the heart of how we regulate.

“We asked our expert advisers, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, to consider this critical theme.

“The advice helps us to refocus and reinforce what we are doing already, and what we need to do next. For example, this year we will be carrying out targeted compliance and enforcement activity to identify and tackle any weaknesses in the age verification processes.”

Miller added: “Safeguarding children in a digital age is complex, and what both RGSB and our research has highlighted is that it takes a multi-faceted approach by us, government, educators, gambling firms and parents.

“It will take firm ongoing commitments from the Commission as gambling regulator, but also from all of those with a part to play.”

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