Tim Miller, the executive director of policy and research at the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), announced new plans for the latest round of consultation on the Gambling Act Review White Paper. The focus of this round of consultations will be on free bets and bonuses, ensuring that they are socially responsible. Miller emphasized the need to consult on proposals relating to incentives such as free bets and bonuses to prevent them from encouraging harmful or excessive gambling.
The consultations are in response to the Gambling Act Review White Paper, which makes suggestions on how gambling should be regulated in Great Britain in the future. One specific topic for this new round will be financial penalties. The UKGC is proposing modifications to the way fines are calculated to bring greater clarity and transparency to the process.
Additionally, the consultation will focus on the transparency of client asset protection, client-led tools, and the requirement to contribute yearly to Research, Prevention, and Treatment (RET). The Commission will also seek advice on reporting financial key events and regulatory data.
Since the White Paper was published, the UKGC has made significant progress in implementing the suggestions and plans to continue addressing other aspects of regulation to make it fit for the future. The first set of consultations saw over 3,000 submissions, and the regulator is currently analyzing the responses.
The primary focus of the first round of consultations was on vulnerability checks, financial risk, online game design, and age verification. This round has sparked some controversy, with some industry figures expressing concern about the impact of accessibility checks on their businesses.
Despite opposition from some industry figures, the UKGC remains committed to implementing the recommendations of the White Paper and ensuring that gambling is safe, fair, and crime-free. The regulator plans to continue consulting on the White Paper recommendations and addressing other aspects of its regulation during this latest round of consultations.