UK Gambling Review: New Rules Aim to Protect Vulnerable Users

The UK government is pushing for significant reforms to its gambling laws, with a focus on protecting vulnerable users in the digital age. Earlier this year, the UK government announced major reforms to the country's gambling laws to protect vulnerable users in the smartphone era. The reforms aim to modernise the Gambling Act 2005 for the digital age.

The British government has published a white paper on gambling rules that outlines the proposed changes. The key changes include an increase in affordability checks when losses are unaffordable or harmful. A staking limit of between £2 ($2.49) and £15 ($18.70) for online slots is proposed, subject to consultation. The UK Gambling Commission will get resources to help curtail VIP schemes and bonus offers. A new statutory levy for gambling firms will help “turn the tables on problem gambling.” A non-statutory ombudsman will give customers a “single point of contact” for grievances. A rebalance of regulation will remove unnecessary bureaucracy and reduce the burden on businesses.

The government has stated that the reforms will ensure an appropriate balance between consumer freedoms and choice on the one hand, and prevention of harm to vulnerable groups and wider communities on the other. In July, 2023, the UKGC revealed that credit reference agencies might not be equipped to provide the required information. If this turns out to be the case, then the vast majority of users will be required to submit to an intrusive financial check to deposit even small amounts. Sports minister Stuart Andrew told a committee that if this is the new reality, the process wouldn’t be forced upon the industry until it was “genuinely frictionless” following a pilot run.