Exciting developments in the online gambling world – new rules are here, and they’re all about safeguarding us players. Starting this August , if you find yourself losing £500 or more a month, you’ll face additional checks to ensure your well-being. And come next February, that threshold will be further reduced to just £150 a month. These measures are designed to keep a watchful eye on those of us who might be venturing a bit too far.
But wait, there’s more – starting from January 17, certain features on online casinos and poker platforms are being phased out. Prepare to bid farewell to the ‘turbo’ and ‘slam stops’, as well as autoplay and flashy visuals celebrating small wins. These alterations are aimed at curbing the illusion of control that can sometimes lead us astray.
These new checks and bans come after the government published a white paper on gambling reform last year. It’s all part of a bigger plan to make sure gambling is safe and fair for everyone. According to Charles Ritchie from Gambling with Lives, the white paper even suggested a cap of £125 on monthly spending to trigger extra checks – something that could really make a difference.
So, how exactly will these checks and bans be enforced? Gambling companies will utilize public data to identify customers who might be facing financial difficulties. They’ll extend support such as setting deposit limits or even closing accounts if the situation becomes too precarious. Additionally, a pilot scheme is in place to evaluate customers who are at risk of significant losses in a short span. The objective? To avert situations like that of the NHS nurse who lost £245,000 in just three months. A truly alarming scenario!
However, only some people are convinced that these measures are enough. Some folks reckon the rules are vague and could be more challenging. Labour MP Carolyn Harris also thinks we need more decisive action on gambling advertising.
The good news is that the government says it’s listened to feedback from us and other interested parties. Andrew Rhodes from the Gambling Commission reckons it’s trying to strike a balance between keeping us safe and letting us have a bit of fun.
So, while these new rules might make things a bit stricter, they’re all about ensuring we can enjoy a flutter without getting in over our heads. That sounds like a win-win to me!