The UK government finally released the Gambling Act Review White Paper last week, unveiling a raft of major reforms aimed at boosting customer safeguards, protecting children and vulnerable people, and creating a safe, fair, and open gambling environment for players.
Affordability Checks, RET Levy Among Headline Measures
As per the White Paper, affordability checks will involve two net loss thresholds. Initial checks will be conducted on players with a monthly net loss of £125 or a yearly net loss of £500. Net losses of £1,000 in a single day or £2,000 within 90 days will trigger enhanced financial risk checks.
A mandatory levy for problem gambling research, education, and treatment (RET) funding will also be implemented. The distribution of funds will be facilitated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) with guidance from Treasury and DCMS ministers. The government has yet to finalize the measure as it will still launch a consultation on the matter.
New Powers for UKGC
Additionally, the White Paper also proposes that the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) be granted new powers for it to become a “proactive regulator”. An independent ombudsman tasked with overseeing customer complaints will also be established.
The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) launched the gambling review on December 20, 2020 in line with the Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto.