UK gambling industry faces major new curbs if gov’t adopts MPs’ report

UK gambling operators could face strict new limits on advertising and online slots stakes, even as the market’s biggest operators pledge to dramatically boost responsible gambling funding.

On Monday, the Guardian reported that the group of parliamentarians tasked with studying how to reform the 2005 Gambling Act would release their findings on Tuesday. Among the All Party Parliamentary Group’s recommendations are a total ban on gambling advertising  (whether on TV or online), an end to VIP incentive programs and a new maximum £2 stake for online slots.

Furthermore, the APPG wants to see unspecified stake and deposit limits applied to all gambling products, as well as establishing independent affordability checks for all customers. The report also recommends eliminating in-play sports betting, although the product could be permitted over the telephone or at retail betting venues.

News of the APPG’s report came the same day that GVC Holdings boss Kenny Alexander published an op-ed noting that claimed there was “a significant anti-gambling lobby that believes punitive and mandatory restrictions – notably clamping down on online stake thresholds – will help problem gamblers.”