Betting companies will be required to conduct player protection

These checks, coming as part of a new white paper which sets out how the government is looking to better protect gambling customers, will be targeted to where there’s the most risk of harm, however around eight in ten players will never undergo checks, with only around three percent of the highest spending accounts will have more detailed checks. 

Additionally, the government has said it will introduce a statutory gambling operator levy, replacing the current voluntary levy. Paid for by gambling companies, its proceeds will be ring-fenced for funding for research, education and treatment – including through the NHS.  

A new stake limit for online will also be introduced, with the default maximum stake being between £2 and £15 a spin. The move, according to the government, will help prevent “runaway and life-changing losses” and level the playing field between the online and land-based sectors.  

Alongside this, the Gamble Commission is going to be given more powers to tackle and block unlicensed black market gambling firms operating in the UK, with the public body also set to investigate bonus offers to better understand how they’re constructed and targeted to prevent them being used in harmful ways. 

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer said: “We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen. 

“So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits. 

“This will strengthen the safety net and help deliver our long-term plan to help build stronger communities while allowing millions of people to continue to play safely.” 

Andrew Rhodes, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, added: “The review is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver positive change for gambling in Great Britain and for all people impacted by it. Everyone at the Commission welcomes today’s publication of the White Paper and is determined to work with government and partners to make these changes a reality. 

“Given the correct powers and resources, the Gambling Commission can continue to make gambling safer, fairer and crime free. This White Paper is a coherent package of proposals which we believe can significantly support and protect consumers, and improve overall standards in the industry.  

“As the detailed implementation of the review now begins, we will also be reiterating to all operators that the Commission will strongly maintain its focus on consumer protection and compliance.”