Reports from UK media say Labor Deputy Leader Tom Watson is calling for the establishment of a gambling ombudsman to protect UK consumers.
The call comes after several proposals by the party to combat problem gambling in the UK. Last month Watson called for a review of all online gambling licenses in the country and the party is planning to propose an overhaul of the UK gambling regulations.
Among the proposals is a compulsory 1 percent levy on gambling revenue to improve gambling addiction treatment and resources. The party is also calling for a ban on the use of credit cards at online sites.
Watson said a new consumer ombudsman is needed to support the UKGC as national regulator and assist UK health stakeholders with research and treatment of problem gambling. Watson maintains that the current online gambling industry in the country has failed consumers.
According to the text of Watson’s proposed announcement, he said “I cannot think of a single other type of transactional arrangement for goods or financial services that would allow this type of situation: unclear terms and conditions, a lack of transparency, a lack of framework—and fueled by predatory bonus offers.”
The party is pushing for a new UK gambling structure, in which the UK Gambling Commission oversees operator standards and policies, assisted by an ombudsman settling consumer disputes.
In a related matter, the UK’s five leading betting and gaming companies have agreed to voluntarily increase funding for problem gambling treatment and safer gambling measures. The five companies have agreed to an immediate increase in funding from 0.1 percent of their gross gambling yield to 1 percent in no more than five years.
The group of CEOs from Bet365, Flutter, GVC, Sky Betting & Gaming and William Hill will undertake a consultation process with the relevant stakeholders to develop a long-term plan to protect problem gamblers, the group said in a press release.
