Tim Miller, UK Gambling Commission Executive Director, has once again acknowledged the extensive process that lies ahead in implementing changes following publication of the Gambling Act review white paper.
In a latest blog update of the regulator’s website, Miller issued an update on the progress made in the interim, as well as outlining “another milestone” that is fast approaching.
Regarding the former, completion of a first deliverable was initially touched upon, which saw the UKGC “reinforce our expectations” on white label arrangements.
Following publication of this guidance, a first tranche of consultations will be launched through the current month, which will be undertaken across a 12 month period. Closing dates are expected to fall in October.
A first batch of consultations related to the Gambling Act review will include age verification in premises; remote games design – building on earlier work on online slots; direct marketing and cross-selling and financial risk and vulnerability checks for remote operators.
Furthermore, these will be accompanied by a pair of discussions unrelated to the review, which concern rules around personal management licences and procedures for regulatory panels.
“Implementing the Gambling Act review is a key part of our work to make gambling safer”
“We’re also progressing in the important work around improving the evidence and data for gambling in Great Britain,” Miller wrote.
“The implementation of our groundbreaking new participation and prevalence research methodology and building the evidence base are both Gambling Act review commitments.
“We have made further progress towards these aims with the publication of updates on our work to improve our participation and prevalence statistics and the publication of our three-year evidence gaps and priorities review.”
Later in the year, Miller noted that a second round of consultations will be opened up that will look into socially responsible inducements and gambling management tools, with stakeholder engagement set to commence in the coming weeks.
In addition, the UKGC also reflected on the “vital work” in advising the government on amending aspects of the legislation and on implementation of these changes.
This will lead to the creation of a statutory levy, which will see the UKGC collect and distribute funds in line with government direction regarding the destination of the capital.
“whilst the work on implementation picks up momentum, rest assured we won’t be slowing down on protecting consumers”
However, once this system is created, the Commission has said that “it is likely” that the LCCP RET list will “no longer be relevant or needed”.
Furthermore, Miller also issued a reminder that the regulator will continue working alongside relevant parties “to monitor the progress of industry to deliver on their voluntary commitments”, such as an ombudsman and single customer view.
“Full implementation of the review will be a job of several years, especially when you include evaluating the impact of any changes,” he concluded.
“But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to progress things as quickly as possible. We are determined to make progress at speed.
“Implementing the Gambling Act review is a key part of our work to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free over the next few years.
“But so is our day-to-day work of ensuring compliance with our rules. So whilst the work on implementation picks up momentum, rest assured we won’t be slowing down on protecting consumers across Great Britain either.”
