Some of the most rigorous checks in the betting sector of the UK are about to be avoided as government officials are planning to do a general review of the gambling laws instead of stringent affordability checks. According to people involved in the Gambling Act review process, the UK Gambling Commission will not be able to require bettors to provide payslips before they are eligible to bet online.
As reported by The Telegraph, any findings from the review of the 2005 Gambling Act will be considered by the House of Parliament members. According to insiders, this change will either make affordability checks less strict or they will be neglected completely.
As the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will take over the breakdown of the gambling laws in the UK, many sportsbook operators were relieved. This change could mean that some of the harshest measures to regulate the gambling industry may not be imposed.
While bookmakers may be pleased by the change, those who were supporting more rigorous affordability checks may be disappointed. As concerns about problem gambling risks are rising, many were demanding stricter rules for betting operators. The decision to fold the Gambling Commission’s revision into a broader review of the 2005 Gambling Act, however, could mean that those demands will remain unheard. This change will also cause doubt in the future operations of the regulatory body.
Betting Operators Against Implementing Vigorous Affordability Checks
The UK Gambling Commission made several proposals, including obligatory affordability checks for consumers who generate monthly losses of £100 or more. Betting operators deplored search restrictions, deeming them devastating for their earnings and possibly forcing punters to switch to unregulated and unlicensed bookmakers.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, British racing has suffered a £250 million loss. Meanwhile, some estimates show that implementing stricter affordability checks could cause the sport annual losses of £60 million. Those opposing the stringent measures compared the requirement for providing payslips prior to betting to a breach of civil liberties.
The revision of the gambling laws was launched by the Government in December. Some of the issues considered during the review include the powers and resources of the Gambling Commission and the possible appointment of a gambling ombudsman. Meanwhile, after working with the regulatory body for 15 years, the Gambling Commission chief Neil McArthur made a surprising statement in March, announcing he will step down from his position.
The UK Gambling Commission ensured that it will proceed with reviewing the 13,000 responses to the regulator’s consultation. A Commission’s spokesperson ensured that the main goal of the regulatory authority is to make the gambling sector in the country safe and make some progress. The Gambling Commission will soon publish an update on its review of the Gambling Act and will announce the next steps that will be taken by the regulator.
- Author
Daniel Williams
