UK gamblers reject affordability checks while GamCare & GambleAware evolve to tackle gambling issues with new initiatives. (Image courtesy of Kampus Production)
UK gambling charities are teaming up and evolving – is this a lesson that other countries with legalised gambling can learn from? It is certainly great news for the wider gambling community.
However, within the wider online gambling community, there is pushback against affordability checks. In a recent survey by OLBG and YouGov, there were mixed responses on the topic. The key point is that 65% (650 UK Gamblers) out of 1,001 participants said they would not be willing to carry out these checks.
Luckily, whether the new white paper expected in May this year will impose a strong emphasis on affordability checks doesn’t affect the work being done by gambling charities and businesses. GamCare has made two new appointments, while GambleAware has set up a new division to detect problem gambling in its early stages.
You can take advantage of the tools offered by GamCare if you play at casinos in the United Kingdom with licensing under the UK Gambling Commission. Plus, you will have responsible gambling tools available on the casino or betting platform. As for GambleAware, this free service is available to anyone that needs help regarding problem gambling.
Read on for coverage of all three UK gambling stories – plus get more insights via our safe gambling sites UK lists. You will find advice on how to make sure you join a betting or casino platform operating under a UKGC licensing cert, and the lists only show casinos licenced in the UK.
Majority of UK bettors comply with affordability checks, but there’s a twist!
Affordability checks are a sore subject in the UK online gambling market, and we are yet to see how the new White Paper will draft such checks into the document.
A recent study conducted by the sports betting community OLBG and YouGov has given some insights into just how the wider betting and online casino community may react to such checks. The sample respondents of 1,000+ are UK gamblers playing at online betting platforms already anticipating affordability checks as part of doing business in the UK gambling zone. As such these companies are testing the water through random selection.
In the summary of stats from the survey, it shows that the majority of bettors asked for proof of affordability have complied. In fact, 74.3% provided documents when asked to do so by their online gambling platform provider. However, only 21.8% (roughly 211 out of the 1,001 respondents were asked for documents. The survey still has another 790 opinions to cover.
So, here’s the twist to the survey…
Not all respondents have been asked for affordability checks yet. And the shocking stats show that when you compile those who have been asked and those that have not, 65% of participants were not willing to undergo affordability checks.
The result of the survey was that the willingness to provide documents decreased among those with lower monthly spending and older age groups. Interestingly, higher-spending players and younger players are more likely to comply with the checks.
The full survey report provides further insights into UK gambling habits and how bettors react to such checks. Yet, it is clear UK gamblers reject affordability checks at this time. More dangerously, the figures from survey sample used on the wider gambling population of the country are worrying. And these are numbers that far outweighs the previous news report of 250,000 UK Players seeking Black Market Gambling.
My Concern: 4.1% (41 respondents) said they went to an unlicenced operator when asked for affordability checks. This may seem small. Yet, 29% of the UK’s 69 million population gamble, which is 19.4 million people. If we take the 4.1% from the sample in the survey and apply that to 19.4 million, this number is 795,400 people who could potentially head over to the black market”.
How UK Bettors React to UK Affordability Checks
- 65% out 1,001 said they would refuse to provide documents (650 people)
- 21.8% of gamblers were asked for documents (218 people)
- Higher spending & younger players more willing to comply
Stats From 21.8% (218 people) Asked For Documents
- 74.3% provided documents when asked (162 people)
- 17.9% refused and switched to another licenced operators (39 people)
- 4.1% refused and went to unlicenced operators (9 people)
- 3.7% stopped betting altogether (8 people)
GamCare Welcomes New Expertise to Board of Trustees
GamCare, an independent responsible gambling charity in the UK, has appointed Lester Posner and Jas Bindarh as new trustees.
- Posner: The Head of Communications for the Health and Safety Executive, has 25+ years of experience in the communications industry and a passion for diversity and inclusion.
- Bindarh: A qualified chartered certified accountant and regulatory consultant for Standard Chartered Bank. She brings her expertise in the evolving regulatory landscape and her experience working with charities and organisations into the problem gambling arena.
GamCare Chair Margot Daly believes that both trustees will be instrumental in raising the profile of gambling support in the UK.
Summary of Responsible Gambling News
- Two new trustees join GamCare: Lester Posner and Jas Bindarh
- Posner brings over 25 years of communications experience
- Bindarh offers expertise in the regulatory landscape and accounting
- Both trustees are committed to improving diversity and inclusion
GambleAware Launches National Gambling Support Network
GambleAware, Great Britain’s leading commissioner for the reduction of gambling harm, has developed a comprehensive partnership called the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN).
The NGSN will focus on a regional-first approach and early intervention, aiming to prevent the escalation of gambling-related harms. The network consists of third-sector treatment providers offering free, confidential support, and involves individuals with lived experience of gambling harms in its design. The NGSN aims to create opportunities to work with local services and government agencies while providing accessible, proactive, and tailored treatment and support.
Betknnowmore joins NGSN: In the recent ‘UK Online Gambling Gossip’ news, I reported that BeyKnowMore has already joined forces with the BGSN. Check it out, the story covering the partnership is the last section titled ‘Betknowmore UK Joins National Gambling Support Network’.
Summary of the New NGSN
- New National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) developed
- Focus on a regional-first approach and early intervention
- Network includes third-sector treatment providers
- Involvement of those with lived experience of gambling harms
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