The gambling industry in the UK is one of them most advanced in the world, and that extends to the online sector. The country boasts plenty of online casinos and sports betting sites, leading to plenty of choices for customers. Underpinning the industry is the robust regulatory framework created by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to ensure a safe and reliable gaming experience for all. That said, one cannot deny that the impact of the UKGC’s legislation has had a profound impact on the industry - and continues to do so, as the Commission regularly updates its rules.
Recent Updates to UKGC Regulation
The UKGC announced its latest set of regulatory updates in May 2024. This widespread set of changes comes with the promise of “boosting safety and consumer choice,” and will be implemented in four stages starting from August 2024. The impact of these updates cannot be assessed at the time of writing, but they will further tighten checks on customers spending over £150 a month, as well as extend regulations on online slots.
Online Slot Regulations in the UK
British slot fans might notice something missing in their favourite games - the ability to autoplay. In fact, this functionality has been prohibited by the UKGC, who describes it as “a potential contributing factor to gambling related harms.” This decision came despite the disagreement of the majority of consultation survey respondents, but the Commission points to research linking auto-play functionality to gambling harm, as well as data acquired from support organisation GamCare.
Further changes to slots required by the UKGC include a limit on the speed of spins, as well as the ban on sounds or images that make it look like the player got win when the return is equal to, or below, the stake. Operators also need to clearly display the player’s wins and losses at all times during a gaming session. As mentioned these regulations currently cover slots, but will also be implemented in all other online games by 2025 following the May 2024 regulatory update.
Bet Limits on Younger Punters
Another addition to UKGC regulations involves a limit on maximum bets made on online slots, specifically on by younger players 18-24 years of age, as well as those who are 25 years old. This law states that customers between the ages of 18 and 24 will not be able to make a bet greater than £2 per round. This limit should increase to £5 once one reaches the age of 25. This change shows how the UKGC cares for younger players, even as the high rollers (or high roller wannabes) might be annoyed by such impositions. After all, the youth are those most savvy with online gambling, as well as being among those with lower incomes. Always remember that here at Gambling Zone we always promote safe and responsible gaming.
The Effect of National Self-Exclusion
Implemented by the UKGC back in 2018, national self-exclusion has a simple aim - it stops one from accessing gambling sites for a set period ranging from 6 months to up to five years. Taking care of the national self-exclusion register is GameCare’s GAMSTOP, which can self-exclude registered users from either a select site or all gambling sites licenced to operate in the UK. And there comes the rub, since punters can - and sometimes will - opt to play on overseas sites which are not UKGC-licenced, and as such not listed by= GAMSTOP.
The Positive Effects of UKGC Legislation on Operators
All the best gambling sites available in the UK are licenced by the UKGC, and for good reason. A UKGC licence is the sign of a truly reputable operator, one that can be trusted by British customers to be both safe and not cheat them out of their money. Ultimately the commission has the safety of players, especially those who are vulnerable or at risk, at heart, and most operators would rather not risk getting a black mark next to their name. The latest regulatory updates also increase the transparency of the industry, while the boost in safety is vital in an industry as dynamic as online gambling.
Final Thoughts on Gambling Legislation
The UKGC has led to significant impact on UK online gambling sites by its focus on player protection. Such regulations do pose a challenge for operators, but they do so in the name of providing a safer and more trustworthy environment for their customers. As the market continues to evolve, the British online gambling sector will need to balance innovative products with regulatory compliance if it is to sustain its current success, even in the face of potentially lower revenues.
