The chairman of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has called for local gambling companies to unveil stricter measures to protect the 160,000 Scottish residents who are considered at risk of becoming hooked on gambling during the coronavirus lockdown.
Bill Moyes, chairman of the British gambling watchdog, has unveiled the stricter measures taken by the gambling sector in the UK to protect customers through a lengthy campaign associated with tough enforcement activity. As he explained, the major concern for the local gambling industry, which has been estimated at £14.4 billion, is the effect that temporary closures of all brick-and-mortar betting venues and the social-distancing measures have had, as they have led to an overall reduction in gambling.
The same measures, however, have been considered some of the main reasons for an increase in some online gambling services, including casino gaming, virtual slot machines, online sports betting and online poker.
Concerned by the registered increase in online gambling products, last week the UKGC wrote to online gambling companies to explain the need for them to make sure their customers are still protected against possible gambling-related harm, especially the most vulnerable individuals, such as children and former gambling addicts.
Gambling Addiction Prevention Is Still a Major Concern for UK Gambling Regulator
According to reports, there are currently about 36,000 people on the territory of Scotland who are classified as problem gamblers.
UK Gambling Commission’s chairman has explained that many people have been affected by gambling addiction throughout the years, with problem gambling also having a significant negative effect not only on the addicts but also on their families and friends. That was exactly the reason why the gambling regulatory body was willing to make sure some proper enforcement action is taken in recent weeks and more people are protected against gambling-related harm.
Mr Moyes further noted that the latest action of the UKGC had included the suspension of two online gambling companies because of their violations of the requirement to adhere to the new online self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. He also reminded that the watchdog has also imposed a massive penalty on a high-profile casino group for certain failures.
According to the chairman of the UKGC, the latest enforcement action had also led to some senior managers within the sector surrendering their licences. He further shared that the stricter measures unveiled by the regulator demonstrated to the sector what the consequences of failing in its obligations could lead to. According to Mr Moyes, the latest enforcement action of the UK Gambling Commission was a great example of the regulator’s decisiveness to stick to tough action whenever it needs to.
Earlier in April, the biggest-ever fine amounting to £13 million was imposed by the UK gambling regulatory body on the UK arm of Caesars Entertainment because of the company’s failure to prevent gambling addicts from losing massive sums on gambling. Also, as a result of the investigation, three senior managers in the company have left the operator and surrendered their personal licences granted by the regulatory body.
- Author
Daniel Williams
