Gambling Commission pledges to reduce harm

A pledge to reduce still further gambling harm was made by the UK’s Gambling Commission in a 2020/21 Business Plan issued this week.

The plan outlines key priorities for the year ahead and includes a commitment to reducing gambling harm and continuing to make gambling safer, especially online.

CEO Neil McArthur said: “We begin a new financial year in extraordinary circumstances; the Covid-19 virus will bring significant challenges for us all, including the gambling industry. With social distancing measures in place people are more likely to feel isolated and now more than ever operators must ensure that consumer safety is paramount.

“Gambling related harm must be drastically reduced and if operators cannot protect customers from harm we are ready and willing to act; if necessary we will use our powers to suspend and revoke operating and personal licences. 

“Since our review of online gambling in 2018 we have tightened age and ID verification rules, strengthened rules around customer interaction and unfair terms and conditions and most recently we banned gambling on credit cards. This year we will continue to deliver our recommendations by addressing VIP incentives and making online advertising and online gambling products safer.

“The volume and complexity of our work continues to grow.  However, we will continue to focus our resources on the areas that have maximum impact for the greatest number of consumers and will make sure we have the capacity and capability to keep pace with emerging issues and risks that regulating a complex industry requires.”

The Commission is currently representing the UK government in the process leading to the appointment of the next operator of the National Lottery.