Recent years have seen plenty of talk about reforming the UK gambling industry. 2025 is lining up to be the year in which concrete action is finally being taken. This includes areas such as online slots, bonuses and how gambling is advertised. Just how will all of this affect the industry and its players?
It was two years ago when the then Conservative government published a White Paper on the subject of gambling reform. The last Gambling Act had come into force in 2005 and the arrival of the internet and ability to gamble on your mobile devices has significantly changed the industry since then.
2024 saw Labour come into power and they agreed with most of what had been contained in the previous year’s White Paper. More consultation has taken place and now the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and Labour government are beginning to introduce stricter regulation to the gambling industry.
Areas of concern among politicians, campaigners and support groups include how younger gamblers are being affected. As a result, this month will see a new maximum stake introduced for online slot games. Those aged between 18 and 24 will not be able to place a stake of more than £2 on a single spin of the reels.
More action will be taken next month when a new maximum stake of £5 per spin will be introduced for those over the age of 24. Campaigners would prefer the £2 limit to be imposed on all players and the speed of online slots reduced. This could well happen in the future.
It is felt that such action is required due to the highly addictive nature of the online slots. With no maximum stake previously having been imposed, it did not take players long to lose a great deal of money in a short period of time.
In a highly competitive industry, the offering of bonuses is regularly seen. Welcome offers can see new players receiving free bets or spins. Enhanced odds can also be offered on sporting events but it is important that the terms and conditions of such offers are always read.
Wagering requirements can be too high, for example 30x the amount received or won. Then there can be restrictions on the odds of selections that can be made. That £30 in free bets may well require £900 to be staked before a withdrawal can be made from your account.
New measures that will be introduced in December of this year will cap the wagering requirement on such offers to 10x. Licensed UK casino operators as per agamble.com may find that the offers they make will see more funds being withdrawn and the amounts offered may have to be reduced. The UKGC believe that the new cap will reduce the possibility of gambling harm occurring and increase the level of transparency in such offers. Failure by licensed operators to adhere to the new rules can find themselves being fined or even lose their license.
However, there will remain concern over the unlicensed and therefore unregulated gambling companies in the UK. They will not have to adhere to the new cap and can continue to make offers that have several restrictions and high wagering requirements.
There is also going to be a statutory levy placed on UK gambling companies. The aim of this is to raise £100 million a year. This will be used to fund research, help the NHS and other treatment for those who are suffering gambling harm.
Concerns remain on how gambling is advertised, particularly towards younger members of the community. Peter Roderick is the public health chief for the City of York Council. He has been alarmed by statistics that revealed 16% of young people in York had gambled. A quarter of those who did so had taken money without permission to fund their gambling.
His view is that this is only the “tip of the iceberg” and education and support is needed. He believes that there needs to be “a crack down on advertising” of gambling. This needs to be in the manner that has been taken towards tobacco and is being planned for fast food.
It’s 24 years since tobacco adverts were banned in the UK. Mr Roderick has blamed the relaxation in gambling laws that took place in 2005. Now we all have the ability “to have a super casino in our pocket” due to being able to gamble 24/7 on mobile devices.
In his opinion, the number of gambling advertisements that are seen are “affecting children” and further action needs to be taken.
2025 promises to be an interesting one for those who believe the UK gambling industry needs stricter regulation. Action is beginning to be taken but it is important not to simply drive gamblers to the unlicensed and unregulated black market where there are lower levels of customer protection.
