The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Gambling Minister Tracey Crouch published the results of the Government’s gambling industry review. The review, which has been primarily focused on controversial fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs), is to be followed by 12-week consultation period, which is to play an important part in the final decision of the DCMS if the maximum stake allowed at the machines must be reduced.
Apart from that, the UK Government further announced that it intends to make some steps towards providing better protection of the online gambling consumers and unveiling a new responsible gambling advertising campaign that is to be initiated by the industry. These measures are to take effect in order to strengthen the online gambling and gambling advertising protections, so that children and more vulnerable individuals are better protected.
FOBTs’ Maximum Stakes to Be Reduced
For the time being, the maximum stakes allowed on fixed-odds betting terminals amounted to £100. They, along with the quick pace of the gameplay, as well as the machines’ addictiveness became the main reasons why FOBTs were described as some of the most dangerous gambling options available in the UK gambling industry. The current maximum stakes are allowed to be placed every twenty seconds, which could raises the amount that could be lost on the terminals to a total of £18,000 in an hour.
Previously, the Government has launched a consultation paper on various options related to the maximum stakes’ reduction of the so-called fixed-odds betting terminals, which are officially classified as B2 gaming machines. The possible options available for the machines’ maximum stakes ranged from £100 to between £50 and £2. In addition, over the process of consultations, the Department for Culture, Media and Sports reached the UK gambling regulatory body – the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – to ask for more information about the tracking and gameplay monitoring means.
When it comes to other gaming machines’ stakes and prizes, the UK Government recommended that current stakes should be maintained, except for the prize bingo gaming. As far as the latter was concerned, there have been some industry proposals for increasing the stakes from £1 to £2 and the prizes from £70 to £100, which the Government has been pleased with.
The UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch, who has been one of the main opponents of the machines, revealed that the maximum stakes on FOBTs are to be reduced. Such a reduction is expected to minimise the possibility for generating large losses on the machines, but according to the DCMS it would also reduce the risk for both customers and wider communities to be hurt.
Minister Crouch’s Opinion
As mentioned above, the UK Gambling Minister Tracey Crouch has long been criticising fixed-odds betting terminal due to their addictiveness and the large maximum stakes allowed, has previously commented on the situation, saying that the right balance should be stroke. According to Ms. Crouch, it is very important to find the equilibrium between adequate customer protection from gambling-related harm, especially when children and more vulnerable people are concerned, and socially responsible growth.
She said that the Government had realised the need for action in terms of the fixed-odds betting terminals, given the public concerns about the risks related to such high-stake gaming machines available on high street betting shops.
As long as online gambling is concerned, Minister Crouch said that the Government had seen the sector’s rapid growth, so it was its responsibility to enhance customer protection measures in the sector. Also, the players who have experienced difficulties related to gambling should get all the necessary help they need in order to deal with the problem.
Customer Protection Measures Package
The Government is aimed at raising the player protection standards for online gambling, with the UK Gambling Commission being engaged with the consultations on the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice’s changes which are to be implemented in 2018.
What is more, various charity organisations, including GambleAware, the Advertising Standards Association (ASA), as well as gambling industry groups and broadcasters are to be united by one common goal – to keep gambling advertising campaigns responsible. According to the British Government, more should be done by local gambling operators and other parties who draw benefit from gambling activities in order for risks for more vulnerable individuals to be reduced.
The authorities plan a 2-year responsible gambling advertising campaign to be held, which is to include various adverts on TV, radio, cinema, print materials and also online. The campaign, which budget is planned to range from £5 to £7 million, is to get its funding by gambling operator, including betting companies which operate only online.
Furthermore, new advertising guidelines are to be implemented by the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP). This step is to be taken in order for better protection for children and young people who are put at risk of gambling addictions, in order to guarantee that the content of gambling adverts dos not encourage them to make irresponsible bets. In addition, the code on responsible gambling advertising is to be enhanced, too, with that task being assigned to The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG).
Of course, various initiatives related to responsible gambling are to be launched, with the local gambling operators aimed to participate and fund activities related to research, education, prevention and treatment.
- Author
Daniel Williams
