The white paper, published in April, marked a significant overhaul of gambling regulations in the UK since the 2005 Gambling Act. It aimed to enhance player protections within the country. The announcement was made during GambleAware’s annual conference on December 4th.
Baroness Twycross’ address highlighted areas of reform that the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport will prioritize. She detailed intentions to modify slot machine designs to lessen the intensity of gameplay, and expressed a commitment to examine the rising trend of “white label” operators sponsoring UK football teams.
### Modifying Slot Machines for Player Safety
Regarding online gaming, Twycross discussed the recently introduced slot stake limits, intended to mitigate consumer losses. She emphasized the necessity of altering game designs by decelerating play speed and prohibiting autoplay features. According to Twycross, these steps are crucial to reducing the likelihood of players developing harmful gambling habits.
“These changes aim to decrease the intensity of play and help customers gain a clearer grasp of their gambling habits,” remarked Baroness Twycross. “Safer game design is a single facet of the comprehensive reform agenda being implemented by the Gambling Commission.”
### Scrutiny of White Label Football Sponsorships
Additionally, Twycross addressed growing concerns about white label operators sponsoring UK football teams. She indicated that an investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the Gambling Commission to better understand their impact and prevalence.
“If further action is required, we will take it,” she cautioned. This inquiry includes the case of Curaçao-licensed operator BC Game, which was declared bankrupt in November by Curaçao’s Court of First Instance. BC Game, a sponsor of Premier League team Leicester City, has faced scrutiny in the media.
### Encouraging Industry Collaboration
The minister stressed the importance of working collaboratively with the gambling industry. Her speech aimed to alleviate industry fears about heightened enforcement, especially concerning online casinos.
She stated her department’s commitment to ensuring that regulatory interventions are balanced. “As we implement top-tier harm prevention reforms, we will be evidence-driven. I will collaborate with the industry to ensure regulations are balanced and support a responsible industry,” she assured attendees.
“I recognize the relatively minor changes being sought by the casino sector. I endorse the measures outlined in the white paper and will provide updates on their progress as soon as possible.”
### Enhancing Player Protection in Unregulated Lotteries
The lottery sector has advocated for the regulation and licensing of free prize draws—many offering multi-million-pound prizes—alongside charity lotteries.
Tony Vick, chairman of the UK’s Lotteries Council, expressed his views in a November opinion piece for iGB. He argued it was unjust for free draws to bypass regulations, noting they aren’t required to donate 20% of proceeds to charity as licensees are.
In response, Twycross stated that participants in these draws should have confidence that appropriate protection measures are in place. She urged the sector to increase efforts to safeguard consumers.
