The publication of the long awaited white paper to reform the UK Gambling Act is certain to happen very soon according to a number of news portals and gambling sites. It is reported that the UK government is finalising the last few points before it is released. At the (UK Betting and Gaming Council) meeting this week, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Technology in the UK, said that the publication of the white paper will not be final.

He added that “further discussions would take place to implement ongoing reforms” and update the UK’s gambling regulations consistently in the future. It has been 20 years since the last reforms have taken place. Scully also said that the office of the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may get involved in gambling reforms in the future. Affordability checks and consumer spending have been requested by the however Scully is discussing whether the government should have the right to tell people “how much of their salary” they can afford to spend. The has reported that both land-based and online customers are being asked to produce bank statements and payslips prior to placing bets to verify their means. There are fears that the betting industry connected to UK sporting events may slow down as a result with an overall significant negative impact on the gambling sector. Gaming operators are concerned about consumer spend on bets during the Cheltenham Festival in March which could see grim implications on the long term stability of horse racing.

Background

The purpose of the changes to the UK’s 2005 Gambling Act in the form of a white paper is to implement a regulatory framework that would support the growth of online gambling. The white paper will include maximum stakes for online casinos and a ban on free bets. Packages will be included for those who incur heavy losses and affordability checks that promise to be ‘non intrusive’. The Gaming Commission is also expected to have new powers with funding from increased fees that will be paid by stakeholders in the industry. When published the white paper will be the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in the UK in the last 15 years. The white paper was expected to be published last year.  It was first delayed as a result of the resignation of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.  This was followed by Liz Truss’ unexpected resignation last year which caused further delays.