The last few weeks have seen a growing number of media reports regarding the number of gaming machines available in pubs, as well as test purchasing.
Towards the end of 2019, the UK Gambling Commission (UGKC) launched details regarding machines’ test purchases that were conducted in 170 pubs across Wales and England. According to the results, 84% of the premises were failing to prevent underage individuals from accessing so-called Category C gaming terminals. For the time being, individuals who are under 18 years of age are banned from playing such machines, even in case they are accompanied by an adult.
The above-mentioned figure, however, is in serious contrast with the pass rate for alcohol rates. The latter, according to the report released at the time by the UKGC, was in the range from 70% and 85%. That is exactly why an increasing number of anti-gambling campaigners have insisted that stricter rules and more serious scrutiny are necessary in terms of gaming machines and customers’ age verification. The gambling regulatory body in the UK has also called to local pubs to take action on the issue and to take age verification seriously.
The gambling watchdog has shared fears that local pubs do not take as strict measures for gaming terminals as they do for alcohol sales, especially when it comes to underage individuals.
BBPA Launches Guidance for More Responsible Behaviour Featuring Major Principles
Most recently, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) joined forces with UK Hospitality (UKH) and published guidance to all pubs and clubs that are its members, asking these venues to join the efforts to tackle underage gambling in local clubs and pubs.
The guidance, titled “Social Responsibility Charter for Gaming Machines in Pubs” featured a number of major principles. It recommends collaboration not only across the entire industry but also with other sectors’ stakeholders. In addition, the Association recommended pub staff to make sure they are aware of their legal responsibilities and also meet them and further asked for partnership and cooperation between regulatory enforcement bodies. Also, engagement and a joint operation with the main gambling regulatory body in the UK was among the main guidelines unveiled by the BBPA, along with further support of the work undertaken by the largest gambling charity in the country, GambleAware.
A code of practice has been included in the guidance, with steps pubs can take to help tackle the underage access to the gaming machines. The charter also included details on information requirements, supervision, training, messaging, all related to the gaming machines. The BBPA has recommended all pubs owners to take into consideration stricter rules regarding age verification at the premises, considering the fact that failing to prevent underage gambling can result in further action against them on gambling regulators’ part.
- Author
Olivia Cole
