The UK is recognised as having one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks in the world for its gambling industry. This has facilitated its growth to become the world’s biggest betting market, welcomed investment from global operators, and ensured consumers can enjoy an extensive and safe betting environment.
The online betting industry has increased the UK’s reach and potential to generate revenue with a variety of regulated casino sites available to the public.
The British betting industry is governed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The UKGC is a non-departmental public body that is responsible for issuing licenses to operators, setting guidelines and regulations, and providing advice to businesses and individuals about the gambling industry and its laws.
As the gambling industry is fast-paced and incorporates state-of-the-art technology to enhance the betting experience, laws and regulations must be flexible and regulalry reviewed to ensure they cover new markets and tech.
On April 27th 2023, the government published a white paper that provided recommendations for gambling reform in the UK.
The paper reflected on how gambling in the digital age has changed habits and betting behaviours and continues to develop at a rapid pace. The new rules and guidelines will be implemented across 2024 and 2025 and serve to protect vulnerable and digital customers, improve marketing restrictions, and mitigate the risk of underage gambling.
Checks are set to be implemented on online customers who exceed a monthly spending threshold.
A start date of August 30th has been set for initial checks on those who deposit £500 or more per month. This total will gradually be reduced until February 28th 2025, when the limit will be set at £150.
The online betting industry will also face tougher regulations on game speed and intensity. The idea behind these new guidelines is to give consumers more time to understand gameplay and reduce losses.
The new regulations will come into action on January 17th, 2025. Operators will then be obligated to display the time customers have spent gambling and their net spend.
Some gameplay features will also be banned with the opportunity to speed up games or set autoplay being disabled.
Other changes to online gaming machines include celebrations being withdrawn from games when the player’s winnings are less than the stake. Players will no longer be able to play multiple games at once and game spin speeds of under 5 seconds will be discontinued.
On the same day that these changes to games are enforced, online operators will also be forced to ensure consumers have a clear and easy way of opting out of marketing campaigns.
Online gambling operations are the most likely to be targeted by rule changes as the industry continues to develop. The safeguarding of vulnerable customers, and ensuring operators behave in a fair and transparent manner will improve the industry and make it a more welcoming environment.
However, it is not just the online betting industry that will see new regulations. Retail betting operations will also have new rules that will come into effect in August and November of 2024.
Online betting operators are relatively well protected against underage bettors having access to their sites. Robust verification processes are required during customer registration, helping to identify the users’ location and age. Retail betting shops don’t have the same processes and anyone of age can walk in off the streets and place a bet.
At present, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to enter a betting premises or place a bet. Many bookmakers operate a ‘Think 21’ policy where they must get an ID from a customer who looks around the age of 21.
The UKGC will implement a Think 25 regulation that will commence on August 30th 2024. Betting operators will be obliged to carry out test purchasing to ensure the policy is being adhered to.
Another change that will affect all betting operators on November 30th 2024 regards personal licences.
The UKGC will identify specific management roles in betting operations that require a personal management licence. This will help to protect the industry, maintain its integrity, and keep it crime-free.
Online casinos in the UK must register with Gamstop to give consumers the opportunity to self-exclude. Offshore operators provide bettors with casinos not on Gamstop and won’t be affected by the new changes. This could see some operators lose customers who like the opportunity to play quickly.
The Gambling Commission’s decision to implement these rule changes will provide a safer online betting environment in the UK, and operators have plenty of time to make the necessary changes.
