U.K. gaming firms would have to investigate its customers earnings and finances and then set spending limits on their accounts under a new proposal from the U.K. Gambling Commission.
The commission wants operators to determine how much gamblers can afford and introduce new systems that enable them to identify those who may be gambling beyond their means. The commission said firms could use household earnings and wealth data from the Office of National Statistics to make their determinations.
Operators will be expected to “set limits on consumers spending until affordability checks have been conducted.”
Also, operators will be required under the terms of their licensee to ensure customers do not become problem gamblers by actively and closely monitoring their betting.
Possible indicators of problem gambling include chasing losses and also erratic betting patterns or high stakes following a win, which research has shown is a sign of problem gambling. Other signs include frequency, time of day, large losses and multiple payment methods, the commission said in a press release.
“We expect you to take social responsibility seriously for all customers, including VIPs, and not let commercial considerations override customer protection.”
The proposal comes as the commission is expected to announce a ban on gamblers using credit cards to wager.
In another matter, seven on-course bookmakers are having their gambling licenses reviewed by the commission after it was found they had allowed a 16-year old to place a bet at this year’s Royal Ascot, according to local reports.
Despite numerous age verification checks, seven of the 17 tested operators allowed a minor to place a £5 bet.
“These license reviews show how strongly we feel about underage gambling,” said Richard Watson, commission executive director in a press release. “Every single gambling business must protect children from gambling but the on-course bookmakers results have remained unacceptable.”
