SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
From today (Monday 1 April), UK gambling will enforce its £2 stake limit on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs – B2 Machines).
Neil McArthur, Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has written to betting leadership, reminding all stakeholders of their responsibilities in ensuring consumers are protected.
The UKGC Chief Executive, warns leadership that safer gambling enforcement will be implemented beyond retail disciplines, impacting all gambling verticals,” he said.
“We have been closely monitoring operators’ plans to manage the implementation of the stake cut and we will continue to watch very carefully to ensure that any changes and developments to these products are done with a focus on customer safety.
“Together with Government and the industry we must continue our ongoing work to make the whole industry safer – this includes continuing to make progress with making other products safer, as customers may move to gamble in other ways following the stake cut – including online, mobile and on the high street.
“It’s imperative that operators invest in and use data, technology and measures to identify harmful play and can step in to protect players when needed. They should be innovating to protect their customers, as much as they do to make a profit.”
Backing the UKGC’s push for higher standards and responsibilities, the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has stated that it backs all current UKGC directives and consultations aiming to develop gambling’s safest marketplace.
Ongoing UKGC consultations include
- Banning Credit Wagering
- Introduction of ‘Gambling Block’ software
- Reviewing UK LCCP provisions on operator customer interactions
Jeremy Wright, DCMS State Secretary, added: “Reducing the potential loss per spin from £100 to £2 is a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable people. The Government’s actions and ambitions stretch much further and we are looking at the further treatment of those who have suffered from gambling-related harm, whether gambling on credit should be limited and considering what actions are necessary to tackle problem gambling online.”
