Rumours of a More Relaxed Overhaul of Gambling Act Causes Outrage with Anti-Gambling Campaigners

According to rumours, tighter restrictions on UK gambling operators may not be as bad as first thought which in turn has angered anti-gambling campaigners.

Rumours circulating over the last few days if true could see fewer restrictions than anticipated and the government could in fact drop the mandatory levy on the gambling sector which pays towards treatment for problem gambling.

Continue Voluntary Contributions

If the above happened, operators in the UK can continue to make voluntary contributions to help toward the treatment of gambling-related problems. Also, football shirt sponsorship which many anti-gambling campaigners want to see banned completely may still be allowed with no restrictions, something football clubs have previously criticised if football shirt sponsorship is to be completely banned.

UK bookmakers will still be required to carry out more in-depth affordability checks on their customers, however, it seems at this moment an agreement is yet to be met on the figure on which such checks are to be enforced.

Cap Online Casino Stakes

Although anti-gambling campaigners may not get all their wishes granted it’s looking increasingly likely the government will go ahead with a cap on online casino stakes between £2 and £5 bringing it in line with fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) in high street bookies. If these limitations come into force, VIP schemes would almost certainly be suspended.

Ian Duncan Smith has criticised the government for the failure to deliver its White Paper and a statutory levy was needed to stop ‘foul practices’ used by the sector if they end up ‘watering down’ the proposed restrictions.

Anti-gambling campaigners have commented on rumours the new restrictions may not be as efficient as they had previously voiced, and a weaker set of measures would only exasperate gambling-related harm.

The government’s White Paper is expected to be released anytime.