Gambling Commission Calls to Strict Illegal Gambling

The Gambling Commission has announced that it will conduct a survey to seek input about how operators should improve their abilities to recognize players at risk of gambling harms.

The consultation seeks input from industry stakeholders on reforms that will enhance the manner in which operators, and gambling companies in general, operate on customer vulnerability information.

Feedback will be given on how operators can strengthen their consumer engagement most at risk of problem gambling, and the appropriate course of action to deter those harms.

The Gambling Commission also asks for opinions on consumer availability to perform tests at commission-set rates, and proof of what the limits and design of the controls should be.

The Commission said the reasons behind the review derive from proof that the existing operator intervention requirements are still too high to deter damage to vulnerable consumers and are not successful.

Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, responsible for Research and Statistics, Policy Development, National Strategy for Reducing Gambling Harms, Tim Miller, said:

"We are clear on the need for gambling companies to take further action and that the Commission must set firm requirements to set consistent standards. But we want to have an open discussion with the gambling industry, consumers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders, to ensure we strike the right balance between allowing consumer freedom and ensuring that there are protections in place to prevent gambling harm."

The consultation will take place from 3 November till 12 January 2021.