More checks for online casino players during lockdown

It’s been no secret that with people stuck indoors during this lockdown period and with nearly all major sporting events cancelled, many people have enjoyed playing online slots, casino games, poker or betting on virtual sports. Although most enjoy this responsibly, there is a small minority who are more prone to gambling related harm. The UKGC want to ensure these players are offered more protection during lockdown.

Increase in online gambling

The UK Gambling Commission explained that although there is no evidence to show that there has been any increase in gambling related harm which is good, however, there has been an increase in the number of people gambling online and the length of time each session.

Keen to ensure players are further protected from the risk of any gambling related harm, the UKGC have asked gambling operators to introduce stricter measures to help protect players during the Coronavirus crisis.

Measures to be introduced

The new measures the UKGC have asked operators to introduce include:

Ensuring operators interact with players who have been online playing for more than one hour in a single session

Removing any bonuses for players showing signs of gambling related harm

Stopping the reversal of withdrawals for customers

Limiting or blocking players from depositing when they’re showing signs of harm

Carrying out more advanced affordability checks

Putting more robust procedures in place to monitor player patterns, behaviour and spending habits.

Gambling operators have been asked to introduce these new measures as soon as possible. Neil McArthur, the Chief Executive of the UKGC said “Operators must use the data they hold to protect their customers and now, more than ever, it’s vital that online operators really know their customers by monitoring how long they are playing for and understanding how financial uncertainty is impacting them and what they can afford to gamble with. To ensure operators do that, we are strengthening our guidance and expect operators to take account of that to prevent bonus offers or inducements being offered to customers who are showing any sign of harm.”