The government of the U.K. says its gambling review is on schedule to implement recommendations made by the White Paper issued in April. The first consultations from the paper, entitled “High stakes: gambling reform for the digital age,” were announced July 26, iGaming Business reported.
The government says it expects the main points of the paper to be in force by next summer.
U.K. Gambling Commission (UKGC) Executive Director for Policy and Research Tim Miller commented, “These consultations offer the opportunity for people to have their say on proposals aimed at empowering and protecting consumers.”
Miller added, “Many of these proposals have already had a significant amount of engagement and scrutiny, and the Government’s white paper sets out the policy positions.
“We are pleased to now focus consultation and engagement on the detail of how such protections and controls can be implemented in practice. Today’s launch is a key moment in turning the commitments in the white paper into reality.”
Consultations also began on online slots stake limits and updated rules for casinos, bingo halls and arcades.
Among the most touchy issues to be consulted on is financial risk checks for gamblers.
The lack of consultations so far had prompted questions of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on July 20. Shadow minister Alex Davies-Jones asked why further consultations were necessary since the government spent three years working on the gambling laws?
DCMS Minister Stuart Andrew answered: “I am sure that the honorable lady would not want me to endanger the implementation of the policies in the white paper if we did not follow due process, which is what we are doing at the moment.”
Now that the process has begun, the UKGC said it will take 12 weeks. It will consult with consumers, members of the industry and other stakeholders. It is asking for input on financial risk and vulnerability, online gaming design, improving consumer choice on direct marketing and strengthening age verification in land-based premises.
The government has promised “frictionless” financial checks conducted via credit checking agencies and that gamblers are unlikely to be asked for financial documentation.
They will consist of “background checks” when net losses approach £125 for a month or £500 for a year. Enhanced checks would be triggered by a £1,000 net loss within 24 hours or £2,000 within 90 days.
These proposed changes come as labor unions are urging the government to place the industry on the “shortage occupations list” and to lift some restrictions to being employed in the country.
John White, CEO of the trade association Bacta, said the amusement and low-stake gaming sectors face a labor crisis, Yogonet reported July 26. White says U.K.’s withdrawal from the European Union seven years ago has led to many European laborers in the hospitality sector returning home.
White told Yogonet, “Their perception is that the UK is no longer an attractive proposition for a variety of reasons not least the cost-of-living crisis, employment opportunities and the bureaucracy involved in gaining work visas.”
He added that Bacta members ask the government to place their jobs in the shortage occupations list. “From a business perspective the free movement of people was a godsend: however, it was not what the population voted for in 2016 and it’s unlikely to return.” White continued, “The big challenge for this and for future governments is to identify how to replicate the benefits of free movement and balance the outcome with the political imperative of demonstrating that the U.K. has control of its borders.”
