UK and Sweden extend their deal to share information covering online gambling regulations in both countries, plus UKGC hires 9 news staff. (Photo by ROMAN FRIPTULEAC on on Vecteezy
The UK gambling industry news headlines rarely stop shaking the grapevine with stories dropping into our laps from multiple sources.
However, this time we can spare you from the usual White Paper law changes as the United Kingdom Gambling Authority (UKGC) is in the news for a series of other reasons. Namely, a link up with the Swedish online gambling regulator – Swedish Gaming Authority (SGA).
On top of this, the UKGC has topped up the number of people working for the non-profit organisation responsible for regulating UK online gambling. Below, I have a list of nine new members and their respective roles at the UKGC. I mean it makes sense the authority needs more people with so much noise surrounding the white paper’s new rules changes.
Just a quick recap on those rule changes affecting online casino players. We have the confirmation of online slot maximum bets. Next up, the affordability check saga is soon to hit. Plus, all gambling establishments online and offline are now paying a 1% levy on their revenue that will contribute towards companies that help with problem gambling and to the NHS.
The news covering the latest online slot limits is in our UK Online Slot Max Bet Limits Confirmed by DDMS report. You should find the info quite useful as it shows other slot features the UKGC bans.
UK Gambling Regulator Expands Industry Advisory Board
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has added nine new members to its Industry Forum advisory board. Established in 2023, the forum aims to provide guidance and expertise from across the gambling sector. In addition to Chairman Nick Rust, appointed last November, the new members represent major UK gambling companies. Their experience will assist the UKGC in carrying out ongoing reforms of gambling regulation.
Among the additions are Tony Boulton of casino operator Merkur UK, Kristy Caldwell of consultancy Betsmart, and Charles Cohen, CEO of gambler protection platform Department of Trust.Other appointed members include compliance leaders Ashley Padgett of Flutter UK and Ireland, Mark Pearson of sportsbook Betfred, and Nigel Roddis of racing body Britbet.
Additionally, customer operations director Leo Walker of Entain, chief commercial officer Helen Walton of lottery site g.games, and public affairs head David Williams of Rank Group casinos joined the forum. UKGC Chairman Nick Rust welcomed the new members and stated that the forum would offer crucial industry perspectives to enhance gambling oversight as the regulator evolves. Members were selected from over 40 applicants through a competitive process.
The Industry Forum will convene its first meeting on March 21st. The group will then begin providing insights and recommendations to the Gambling Commission on a regular basis. Their input may shape future UK gambling policy and regulation changes.
UK Gambling Watchdog Hires 9 New Employees
The UK Gambling Commission selected 9 gambling execs for its official Industry Forum. This advisory board offers guidance so policies actually make sense for operators. We’re talking big wigs from Flutter, Entain, Betfred, Rank Group and more. With over 40 applicants, Chairman Nick Rust had tough choices! These advisors have crucial experience spanning casinos, sportsbooks, lotteries, horse racing and all kinds of UK gambling. So they can flag potential pitfalls when ideas sound good in theory but don’t work IRL.
Rust himself said it was super hard to leave skilled people off the board. But he’s pumped about the all-star team assembled. With advisors from all gambling sectors, the Commission can make changes that stick. See, regulators worldwide struggle keeping up with digital innovations from casinos and gambling tech suppliers. By tapping industry veterans as guides, maybe the UK avoids reactive knee-jerk policies.
The Forum already meets March 21st to start collaborating. We’ll be watching what smart new regulatory approaches emerge!
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