The Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) published a review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures amid increased Government and regulatory concerns regarding the situation with the sports betting industry in the country. The call for evidence is planned to be used as a starting point when it comes to imposing certain measures to protect both children and vulnerable people from the negative impact of gambling activities and advertising.
Tracey Crouch, Minister for Gambling in the UK, commented on the Government call for evidence on the matters related to gambling, highlighting the importance of finding the “right balance” in order to keep the gambling industry as a key contributor to the country’s economy and protect users, making them aware of the harm that such activities could inflict on their lives.
The review applies to the territories of England, Scotland and Wales and regards several matters related to the gaming machines’ maximum stakes and prizes, the allocations of such gaming machines in the premises which are licensed under the Gambling Act of 2005, as well as to the social responsibility measures that are to be implemented in order to protect both community members from crimes associated with gambling activities.
In addition, part of the review will focus on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs), after the latter raised some concerns related to the eventual damages that could be inflicted to the users or the communities which they are located in. Of course, other rules related to gaming machines which are part of the gambling industry will also be included in the review.
The evidence gathered over the review is planned to be used for making a thorough assessment of the current rules and protocols in the gambling industry. It will also be provided to the Government in order to help the latter in the process of making decisions and any eventual changes in the current gambling regulation.
The period of the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s call for evidence started with immediate effect on October 24th and is to run for six weeks before being closed on December 4th. Then, all the proposals given by the interested parties are to be taken into consideration by the Government before the latter makes its final decision on current gambling regulation in the country.
The announcement of the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s call for evidence on gambling industry matters has received a warm welcome from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).
The Chief Executive Officer of the British regulatory watchdog Sarah Harrison shared her opinion on the matter, explaining that the Commission was very pleased with the review’s announcement, as it offered an excellent opportunity for everyone interested in gambling to make sure that their opinion was taken into account.
- Author
Daniel Williams
