The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is to create three new groups led by gambling industry experts in a bid to address safer gambling regulations.
Three Challenges
The newly formed groups will focus on game and product design, advertising and high value player incentives encouraging gambling.Back in October 2019, UKGC CEO Neil McArthur defined three challenges, which need to be addressed in a bid to combat problem gambling and gambling related harm in the UK.GVC Holdings will work closely with the Betting and Gaming council focusing directly on VIP incentives. These incentives in the past have encouraged high roller players to gamble excessively after receiving VIP tickets to football matches, huge bonuses and flights to matches abroad. The group are looking at bringing these incentives in line with the licensing objectives to make gambling more fair and safe.Playtech and SG Gaming are working on producing an effective Industry Code for Product Design, looking at ways the industry can continue producing safe products in the future.Sky Betting will oversee the advertising technology, looking at ways to reduce the amount of advertising seen by children, younger adults and vulnerable people as quickly as possible.
Key problems
All three groups will focus on key problems within the industry that Neil McArthur believes once addressed, will see a massive reduction in gambling related harm in the UK.He said,“ Consumer behaviour and technology are changing so quickly that only a bold and innovative approach will allow us to achieve a reduction in the numbers of people experiencing, or at risk from, gambling related harm. “ I’ve been encouraged by the willingness of so many operators to work with us on these challenges. We’ve set demanding timetable for progress because we cannot proceed at the speed of the slowest. If rapid progress is not made then we will look at other options as making gambling safer for consumers is paramount.”