The Betting and Gaming Council has issued a warning against the adoption of a “nanny state” that alienates customers in the regulated gambling market and forces their hand to offshore and black-market gambling websites in the United Kingdom. The advocacy group has lobbied for an evidence-based approach towards the re-regulation of the gambling industry in the UK and has opposed the idea of “spending limits,” fearing that it would drive customers to turn to harmful practices, such as registering at illegal operators.
BGC Skeptical about Spending Limits and Warns of Risks
A new YouGov survey commissioned by the Betting and Gaming Council now suggests that 67% of gamblers in the UK feel that mandatory spending limits could lead to more people turning to unregulated websites instead. According to the survey, 64% of people expect to see illegal sites contributing to an increase in the current levels of problem gambling, tied to the rollout of mandatory spending limits.
The survey also notes that 70% of people feel reluctant to gamble at websites and firms that want to conduct compulsory affordability checks. The latest survey comes at a time when the UK Gambling Commission and the government are expected to publish a White Paper which should outline how the industry in the UK should be reregulated.
The risk of alienating customers and sending them to black market operations is very reals, notes the Betting and Gaming Council with concern. The advocacy group further noted that illegal gambling websites hardly have any real obligations towards their customers. They ignore responsible gambling standards and are happy to accept problem gamblers and let them play regardless of any personal risks to the users.
Offshore Gambling Market Poses Threat, Says BGC
No ID and verification checks are required either, the betting and Gaming Council says. Chief executive Michael Dugher further added:
We strongly support the Gambling Review as a further opportunity to raise standards and promote safer gambling. Ministers have rightly always said it will be an evidence-led process, these poll findings are an important reminder of the risks of getting this wrong by introducing arbitrary blanket spending checks on anyone who likes a flutter.
BGC CEO Michael Dugher
Dugher argues that any changes that are introduced should make sure that end up protecting vulnerable gamblers and do not increase the risk of problem gambling instead. There are no safer options for consumers in the UK than the BGC’s own members which are regulated gambling companies.