The CMS Committee report on the Gambling Act review has been published, calling for a strengthened approach to stake limits and financial vulnerability checks.
The report supported the proposal in principle but called for checks to be as frictionless as possible. There were also calls for changes to the approach to deposit limits, with it stating that they should be set by default and require customers to opt out rather than opt in.
Nonetheless, the parliamentary committee underlined that industry reforms shouldn’t solely be reactive, arguing instead for gambling activity to be safer by design. It highlighted that some elements of gambling can cause continued play and lead to harmful player traits.
The report pinpointed slots when it comes to this type of behavior – key elements of slots that lead to this are speed of play, near misses, losses disguised as wins and game visuals. Most notable, according to the report, is speed of play, with MPs citing that faster play causes a reduction in a player’s ability to withhold from gambling.
In terms of action, the group revealed ambitions for the introduction of a safety testing regime, which increases the safeguards around exposure to gambling products that are deemed more harmful for players.
As well as this, the Committee urged the Government to investigate the case for banning children’s access to social casino games, which are often playable on smartphones and simulate gambling activities and products.
The report also highlighted that similar regulations introduced in 2021 slowing the pace of online slots, calling for the adoption for other online products with five second minimum game speed as well as removal of characteristics which dissociate from awareness of play.
A consultation period is currently being embarked upon in terms of actions when it comes to the framework around safer gambling.
The report was also critical of the UK government’s approach to betting advertising in sports and the delays around the implementation of a new sports sponsorships code of conduct.
Outlining the Committee’s view, Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “While gambling regulation should not overly impinge on the freedom to enjoy what is a problem-free pastime for the majority, more should be done to shield both children and people who have experienced problem gambling from what often seems like a bombardment of advertising branding at football and other sporting events.
“The Government needs to go further than the proposals in the White Paper and work with sports governing bodies on cutting the sheer volume of betting adverts people are being exposed to.”
The Betting and Gaming Council also responded by taking aim at sporting bodies who they describe as having been ‘dragging their feet’ on formulation and finalisation of the code.
