The final decision on stake limits applied to video slots in the UK has been delayed, plus white paper consultation continues into phase two! (Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay)
The UK government has pushed back the deadline for its consultation on setting stake limits for online slots. Limiting video slots between £2 and £15 per spin is the idea.
Of course, this has outraged many slot developers and casino operators alike. Yet, the White Paper’s changing to the UK’s gambling act is inevitable. There is not much anyone can do until the consultation confirms these stake limits.
The finalisation of the discussion and the limit is now delayed so that the consultation will accept submissions until 4 October 2023. This supports the stake limit.
I would like to have a firm figure in place now rather than wait. However, I am sure operators and game developers also feel the same way. The general attitude is, let’s get on with it so we can move on.
Striking fear in the Wokes? Recently, the UKGC took a U-turn on banning gambling ads. The fear now is that the 1.5% drop to 0.8% stats in online slot gambling addiction has struck fear into those pushing for the government to lower stake limits.
- Extension caused by data error. The initially cited figure for problem gambling among 16 to 24-year-olds was 1.5%. However, this rate applies solely to men, with the correct overall figure at a lower 0.8%. Somewhere down the line, I feel some organisations have doctored the statistics, and this is likely why the UKGC issues an announcement pleading with those providing stats or stats analysis not to distort figures. You can read more about the UKGC CEO on the misuse of gambling statistics.
- Implications for Upcoming Election: This delay has generated concerns about the timetable for implementing measures from the government’s gambling white paper. Mainly as the UK’s general election looms before 28 January 2023.
- Gambling Commission’s Role: In parallel, the Gambling Commission continues its series of consultations. It recently inaugurated an Industry Forum to engage directly with industry operators for more nuanced policymaking.
- Previous Slot Restrictions: Those fighting to reduce the attraction of online slot gameplay have already managed to ban ‘Auto Spin’ on games hosted by casinos operating under UKGC licensing. On top of this, spins must last at least 2 seconds to reduce the amount people can spend per hour. Stake limits feel like another kick in the teeth from what is arguably the most profitable casino game online today.
The full report covering the reversal of ad bans is available from my 10 September 2023 news report under the section UK’s Gambling Ad Ban Reversal Ignites Debate, which is in the final section of the story.
Continuation of the UK White Paper Addressed by Tim Millet
UKGC Executive Director Tim Miller has confirmed the following stages for the UK gambling industry’s white paper. At first, some of the comments made in the speech may have led you to believe that he may feel the process is moving too slowly. Yet, he addressed the fact that all stakeholders in the industry are looking for definitive answers to various changes outlined in the White paper.
His main comment was that the White Peper consultation process prioritises a more haste, less speed ethos. I can see why, too. It would be a disaster if the wrong decisions were made simply due to stakeholder pressure. As a result, the UKGC aims to ensure that it works as fast as possible but will only make a final decision after the correct due diligence.
Of course, we all would like to see the rules set in stone and get on with it. However, this is one of the most significant changes introduced by the Gambling Act. Therefore, all the facts must be read, and mistakes must be avoided. In other words, the UKGC is taking a ‘get it right the first-time approach’. I agree, so let’s thank Tim Miller for mentioning this.
Miller highlighted that the first set of public consultations has ended. Overall, there were 1,800 submissions. You can read more about the initial consultations on the Casinoplusbonus 27 July 2023 report titled ‘The consultation period is now in action’.
What’s next on the White Paper’s agenda?
- Social Responsibility: The topic of socially responsible betting incentives and evaluating the potential for mandatory online deposit limits is now up for discussion. This is an interesting one because this would also affect how casinos and sports books advertise bonuses.
- Strategy: The Gambling White Paper is an extensive project targeting over 60 areas. It will take several years to make adjustments, and once again, the correct due diligence and stats are at the top of the list of priorities.
- Industry Engagement and Quality Control: Any industry-led initiatives that do not adhere to the UKGC framework’s rules and stringent quality assurance will face penalties. Therefore, discussions on the correct course of action regarding these penalties are up for discussion in this second phase of the White Paper consultation.
When will the CasinoPlusBonus UK page be updated? Right now, the UK online casino list guide rules display the old rules as they are still in force. However, as soon as the White Paper confirms the rules on affordability checks, slot limits, and other white paper topics, we will update the page immediately.
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