UK gambling review may ‘water down’ checks

According to the UK media, the upcoming review of online gambling guidelines, notably in the field of player protection, is being widened to include all gambling sectors.

The general review of the industry will also see the UK’s Gambling Commission losing the power to compel players to submit work payslips to demonstrate their ability to place bets, according to sources.

The shake-up of the betting industry, says the Daily Telegraph, will see affordability checks being “watered down” or removed altogether. It forecasts that the strategy, if implemented, will be widely welcomed by the gambling industry as it would suggest that radical change will not be forced.

Campaigners seeking more stringent checks, by the same rule, will be disappointed.

A consultation period is currently under way, but the speculation is that the Gambling Commission’s plans for mandatory affordability checks on players who habitually lose £100 or more, will be removed. This will please the bookmakers who point out that this kind of intrusion is likely only to force players into unlicensed betting companies.

The suggestions currently under consideration include the appointment of a gambling ombudsman.