Under-25s to Be Restricted by Gambling Limits in New Laws?
It hasn’t been uncommon for rumours to surface lately on upcoming law changes in the UK gambling scene. In fact, it seems that every month a new potential rule comes into the spotlight. Of course, if the UK government finally publishes its white paper on this, there will be more clarity. Yet this is still something that the gambling world is waiting on. A series of delays have meant that this white paper is still awaiting its grand entrance. It’s almost certain that someone will find themselves upset by its contents, too.
The latest rumour circulating with regard to the white paper focuses on the under-25s. It was reported on April 5 that this demographic would see special limits imposed. In fact, the headline said that under-25s would find themselves banned from betting if they wager more than £2 per online spin.
Older punters may have higher limits of £15 to work with, according to the report. This has echoes of the crackdown on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) from 2018. The machines became known as the crack-cocaine of the gambling world. People could spend hundreds of pounds on them in a matter of minutes. Thus, it was a welcome decision for some to limit them to wagers of £2 per round.
Now it looks like the online gambling scene will also suffer the same fate. That could help with quelling the uproar from anti-gambling campaigners. Yet it could have a serious impact for online casinos and their operators.
Addiction Treatment to Be Funded by Gambling Firms
It’s not only the under-25s who look like they will have new rules to adhere to, either. The report suggested that gambling firms will fund addiction treatment. The Sun said it had seen leaks of the white paper, leading it to make the reports but no comment came from the culture department dealing with the new laws.
The new tax on betting firms for the funding of addiction treatment would be set at 1% of profits. As things stand at the moment, companies do make contributions. These are voluntary, and go towards research, education and treatment. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) made a report in 2020 on contributions. It said that its largest members have pledged £100 million across four years.
At the beginning of April 2023, the BGC said that it welcomes a mandatory levy on firms. Yet it said that the deal needs to protect land-based operators at the same time. They face higher running costs and property taxes, after all.
Even so, MPs campaigning for tougher rules spoke with the BBC. They insisted that the new tax on firms and the stake limitations will be a part of the white paper. At the same time, they spoke of tougher affordability checks being a necessity. This, they said, will ensure that customers aren’t gambling beyond their means.
Yet campaigners have also been seeking a total ban on gambling advertisements. This is not something that is likely to be a part of the white paper, though. There may be a curb on certain advertising features or times, but not a complete blackout.
The new laws for the gambling industry should come to light in the coming weeks. Of course, this is something that many have been saying for some time. The original document should have launched in 2021. Yet due to parliamentary in-fighting and changes of leadership, it got lost in the shuffle. Once publication occurs, it will serve as the biggest shake-up to the industry for more than 20 years.
The law changes are to affect gambling in England, Scotland and Wales. The rules for Northern Ireland’s gambling scene are altogether different.
It is also thought that the Premier League will ban gambling company sponsorship. This would see team shirts no longer display gambling firm logos. That wouldn’t bring an end to gambling sponsorship altogether, of course. Sleeve sponsorship would still be possible through the deal worked out. Yet campaigners have spoken of the big logos being too blatant. Vulnerable gamblers and minors could thus end up affected by them.
Other Factors Focused on in Parliament
In recent months, the Houses of Parliament have placed a focus on various issues relating to gambling. With the new rules going through the final stages, intense lobbying has occurred. It raised questions about gifts and hospitality received by MPs from betting firms.
Some campaigners have noted the relationship between these MPs and the industry as “cosy”. Too cosy, some might say. The MPs receiving those gifts are the same ones who defended betting machines in 2017. These were members of both the Labour and Tory parties.
Throughout the years, MPs received invitations to exclusive sporting events from betting firms. This cost tens of thousands of pounds, and of course, endeared these MPs to the gambling scene. Amongst others, these Parliamentary members got exclusive hospitality at:
- Ascot races
- Wimbledon
- Music events
- Football matches
- Awards ceremonies
Within the white paper, free bet bonuses are also reportedly under the hammer. These will be subject to certain “new controls”. This is most important where they are being used to target people in “harmful ways”.
Speaking on the proposed stake limit, culture secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“Our proposals are targeted to protect people who are at risk of addiction, catastrophic loss and harm, with minimal disruption to the majority.”
She also vowed to close any “remaining gaps” when it comes to under-18s and gambling. This demographic has sometimes found ways to access cash fruit machines and scratch cards.
Horse racing betting also looks like it will be set for higher tax rates. This, the report said, will ensure the sport receives proper funding.
One of the most intriguing pieces in the upcoming white paper surrounds casinos, though. They will receive quite the lifeline, as all casinos will be able to offer sports betting. The high-end firms will be able to supply credit to rich foreign visitors.
Frazer aims to publish the white paper now that the Easter break is over. Sources suggest she will try to ram as much of it through without creating a new law.
