In anticipation of the UK white paper’s forthcoming publication, we received 91 responses from multiple sources.
The UK Government has come under pressure to further regulate the gambling sector, following a public examination of 91 responses released by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. With opinions being varied and diverging on how best to approach this issue, one thing is certain: It will be interesting to monitor the progress made in tackling what could arguably become an even more pressing matter for British society.
Problem solution
After undergoing extensive review, the 2005 Gambling Act is ready for release. The White Paper will tackle a variety of pressing topics such as age verification in online gaming and providing safe gambling options to users amidst emerging technology advancements. It also addresses issues around both advertising and sponsorship, while modernizing laws surrounding land-based gambling that have not been amended since their original introduction fifteen years ago.
With the growth of online gambling, increased challenges from overseas iGaming operators have been brought to light. In response, numerous organizations submitted written responses to help inform deliberations by the Public Accounts Committee and Department for Culture, Media & Sports; this included major players such as Flutter Entertainment, bet365 and 888 Holdings among others.
Extensive consultation was also sought from multiple bodies including The Betting & Gaming Councils (BGC) British Horseracing Authority and Lotteries council providing comprehensive contributions towards informing decisions about UK-based gaming moving forward.
The basis
The White Paper has been subject to multiple delays during the tumultuous governmental transition of the last year.
With three Prime Ministers having held tenure, speculation arose that former PM Liz Truss was aiming for its abandonment – but those rumors have officially been put to rest with the confirmation by current head of state Rishi Sunak. He’s stated that all reviews are complete and publication is imminent!
“As we strive towards safeguarding the current state of responsible gambling, it’s integral that change occurs with a targeted approach. It should specifically focus on protecting those vulnerable to risk rather than compromising individuals who enjoy betting in moderation and safety.”
“To protect customers further, an ombudsman has been proposed to ensure effective consumer redress is handled properly; hence why immediate action must be taken by government authorities when dealing with white papers pertaining to such matters as soon as possible — thus minimizing disruption within industry standards.”