Gambling Act review consultations open
The Gambling Act review white paper, which was published in April, included numerous proposals, such as increased affordability checks and greater support for the Commission.
The Commission is calling for views from consumers, gambling businesses and other interested groups on various proposals. The consultation process will take 12 weeks.
Proposals
Specifically, the Commission is asking for input on four areas:
- Financial risk and vulnerability;
- Online games design;
- Improving consumer choice on direct marketing;
- Strengthening age verification in land-based premises.
“These consultations offer the opportunity for people to have their say on proposals aimed at empowering and protecting consumers,” said Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director for research and policy. “Many of these proposals have already had a significant amount of engagement and scrutiny and the government’s white paper sets out the policy positions.
“We are pleased to now focus consultation and engagement on the detail of how such protections and controls can be implemented in practice. Today’s launch is a key moment in turning the commitments in the white paper into reality.”
Updated rules
Government consultations are also beginning on online slots stake limits and updated rules for casinos, bingo halls and arcades.
Gambling minister Stuart Andrew said the consultations would see gambling laws updated for the new digital age. This was the driving force behind the Gambling Act review white paper’s inception.
“We are updating our decades-old gambling laws to make them fit for the smartphone era,” he said. “We want to protect people from harm while making sure everyone who loves a flutter can continue to do so enjoyably.
“These consultations give people a chance to have their say and I encourage everyone to make their voice heard.”
Further consultations
In addition, the Commission is consulting on topics that are not linked to commitments in the white paper.
These include proposals that would clarify and extend the operator staff management roles expected to hold a personal management licence. Additionally, there are proposals relating to the composition and decision-making processes of the Commission’s regulatory panels.
Consultations on all Commission topics will be open for 12 weeks.
But the process is not universally endorsed. In May, members of the UK’s House of Lords criticised the number of measures put out for consultation.