The UK Gaming White Paper has arrived, but it’s just the beginning of the reforms. After two years, the UK gaming industry has finally been able to see what action the government plans to take following the revision of the Gaming Act 2005. The document contains proposals to update UK legislation.
However, the document does not offer complete clarity, as it proposes several new consultations instead of definitive proposals, which means even more waiting. Stuart Andrew, the new parliamentary under-secretary of state for sport, games and civil society, said consultations would be completed before the 2024 general election.
Gaming White Paper: main points
Accessibility Checks: One of the most controversial parts of the Game White Paper is widely expected. The government intends to impose new accessibility checks based on player losses.
Operators will have to carry out detailed checks on players who lose £1,000 in 24 hours or £2,000 in 90 days. However, the bar for “passive checks” has been set much lower, making it mandatory for players who lose more than £125 net in a month or £500 in a year.
Bet Limits: One of the biggest surprises is the lack of a definitive decision on online slots bet limits. Instead, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will consult further on the matter, with the intention of imposing a cap of between £2 and £15 per round, likely with the cap for new accounts or young players being lower than from other accounts. Some operators already impose a limit of £10.
Mandatory fee: One widely debated measure calls for the introduction of a mandatory fee on operators to fund research, education and treatment. Funds will go to the Gambling Commission, which will decide which programs are funded. However, again, the details of the measure are to be defined following further consultation, expected to begin in the coming months.
Game Design: Nothing set in stone here either. The Gambling Commission will review design rules for online games, and particularly “enhancing features” that may increase risk.
Gambling Commission: A UK regulator fees review will be held next year to see if it has sufficient resources. There will be an analysis of whether the Gambling Commission should regulate sweepstakes and competitions, and will pay more attention to its expectations for white label casino operators.
Illegal Gaming: DCMS will explore legal support for the current voluntary agreement with payment providers to block unlicensed gaming sites. This could allow the Gambling Commission to seek court orders to force payment providers to block these sites.
Game Provider: An independent body will be created to deal with player complaints. It will share information with the Gambling Commission to assist the regulator’s enforcement actions and help protect vulnerable groups. Use of the entity will initially be voluntary, but the DCMS may pass standards if industry acceptance is poor.
Physical Games: Under 18s will be prohibited from using category D gaming machines (fruit machines), and the Gambling Commission may change its age verification slogan from Think 21 to Think 25. There will be a consultation on contactless payments and its implications for player protection.
Land-based casinos will be allowed to provide sports betting and will be able to host more slot machines. Larger casinos will have a 5:1 ratio for table game slots, while smaller casinos will be able to install extra machines depending on their size and amount of free gaming space.
Advertising: more queries. The Gambling Commission will launch a consultation on proposed controls, including the acceptance of online bonuses and other online gaming offers. Messaging about game damage will be strengthened and there will be tighter restrictions on VIP promotions.
Gaming Affiliates: There is no proposal for an affiliate license. Operators are expected to demand higher standards of advertising and marketing compliance from their partners.
Industry response to the UK Gaming White Paper
The industry has broadly welcomed the Game White Paper, although some have been critical of the number of proposed new consultations.
Michael Dugher, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “On behalf of our many members, the 110,000 people whose jobs depend on the regulated betting and gaming industry and the 22.5 million people who enjoy gambling each month, We welcome the long overdue publication of the Gaming White Paper.”
“We need time to consider all the details and impacts of these proposals, but it is important to recognize that the BGC has worked closely with the government to deliver a comprehensive package of balanced, proportionate and effective reforms.”
Dugher added: “We welcome the decision to reject anti-gambling proposals for comprehensive, low-level and intrusive accessibility checks, as well as their calls for bans on advertising, sports sponsorship and consumer promotions, which would harm our sports most. loved ones like horse racing and football.”
“These proposed measures will mean a significant shift, but it is hoped that much-needed regulatory stability will ensure that our members can focus entirely on delivering to customers.”
Flutter Entertainment has welcomed the Gaming White Paper but said it will cost between £50m and £100m from 2024. Chief executive Peter Jackson described the document as “a significant positive moment for the UK games sector United Kingdom, raising standards and bringing the regulatory framework into the digital age.”
“We believe that proactive change will lead to a brighter future for our industry, and we have introduced industry-leading safer game controls through our ‘Play Well’ strategy over the last few years, including setting mandatory deposit limits for customers under 25 years, lowering online slots wagering limits and material investments in our safer gambling operational capabilities.”
