The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) are attempting to implement a £100 limit, per month, on losses in an attempt to make local authorities more responsible in the support of gambling related harm.Under review by the Gambling Commission are for stricter measures to be imposed in local authorities to stop vulnerable residents from over-spending on gambling services they simply cannot afford.
21% Gamblers At Risk
Problem gamblers account for more than 2m residing in the UK and currently 21% are at a higher risk of developing a bigger gambling problem, admitting they spend more than they can afford.The gambling watchdog said around 50% of the country are said to have around £250 per month free income after the usual bills are paid but this sum was spent on general items including leisure, clothing and sport rather than gambling.
Inappropriate and Unrealistic
The Commission concludes the current betting limits set by some operators which runs in to thousands were inappropriate and unrealistic.£2,000 was a disproportionate amount to lose for gamblers deemed as at risk, the UKGC urge these limits should be much lower, even down to as low as £100 per month.Other restrictions are currently being explored in reference to stricter guidelines in protecting UK gamblers from harm, these include 1 hour time limits, after this limit, curbs can be made on winning bonuses.The Government are soon to review the 2005 Gambling Act and bring the new act more up to date with the current growth of the online gambling market. The hope is, the newly revised Gambling Act may not be as hard as initially thought as new legislation could prevent further restrictions imposed on the gambling sector as an initiative of the government.