The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) found that a very small percentage of English pubs have managed to prevent children from accessing gaming terminals. As revealed by the major gambling regulatory body in the UK, some recently-held tests on a sample of pubs have found that under-aged individuals were actually able to get to adults-only gaming machines in almost 90% of the pubs located in England.
The Programme Director of the UKGC, Helen Rhodes, shared that the Commission was “extremely concerned” that England-located pubs are not very successful at stopping under-aged individuals from playing on Category C machines designed for adults. On behalf of the Gambling Commission, Ms. Rhodes urged pubs in England to take immediate action and make sure they comply with existing laws regarding children protection from the risks gambling could pose.
Tests on a sample of pubs in England indicate that almost 90% failed to prevent children accessing 18+ gaming machines: https://t.co/gMZgKI6OfO
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 15, 2018
The tests were carried out in collaboration between the UKGC, local police and the country’s licensing authorities in order for the major UK gambling regulator to get more information about operators’ compliance with legislation regarding children protection from gambling-related harm.
Currently, children are not allowed to access Category C gaming machines, which are situated in local pubs and feature a maximum betting stake of £1, as well as a maximum cash prize of £100. Under existing laws, pubs’ staff members are supposed to make sure children stay away from the machines. In addition, a clear signage for the age restriction on the machines should be placed at a visible place in the premises.
BBPA Concerned with the UKGC Tests’ Findings
The UK Gambling Commission found that the measured failure rate of pub operators amounts to 89% and is significantly higher than the average failure rate from between 15% to 30% for other age-restricted products. The gambling regulator has already written to the pub industry to share the findings and urge operators to urgently improve their compliance.
The trend of pubs not following legislative instructions to limit the access of children to Category C gaming machines was found “concerning” by the regulator which sent a letter to pubs in the region to warn them about that. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) shared that it took the notice “very seriously”.
The Chief Executive Officer of the BBPA, Brigid Simmonds, explained that pubs are supposed to offer an environment which is “safe and friendly” for the entire family. Ms. Simmonds further noted that all members of the Association were aware of the codes of practice of both the UKGC and the BBPA, and the latter is already taking measures towards developing a social charter aimed at responsible gambling especially for pub companies and licensees.
As revealed by the BBPA CEO, the Association is seeking an urgent meeting with the UK gambling watchdog and other local authorities to make sure that all necessary actions are taken.
- Author
Olivia Cole
