UKGC to ‘drive up standards’ in 2020 plan

The UK Gambling Commission has outlined plans to continue driving up standards in consumer protection and harm prevention in its business plan for the next financial year.

Proposals, which also highlights several priorities the Gambling Commission has pencilled in for the next three years, mainly outlines new research initiatives into sensitive areas such as industry funding for treatment, additional machine regulation and the use of credit cards

The regulators’ chief exec, Neil McArthur explained: “We put consumers at the heart of our approach, which requires us to strike a balance between the enjoyment people get from gambling and the risks that gambling can present.”

“Managing those risks is not just the responsibility of the individual consumer, and that is why we assess risks by looking at the providers of gambling, the products that are offered and the places in which people gamble.

“Our approach allows us to respond to emerging risks and issues, whilst constantly seeking ways to drive up standards.”

Regarding consumer protection the Gambling Commission said it would be publishing various new initiatives following calls for more research into a ban on using credit cards to bet, as well as new restrictions on machines.

Category B, D and C gaming machines will come under the new scope of inquiry, with new additional controls in game development also to be explored.

A fresh National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will also be released this spring. The Commission is also set to introduce a new review of funding for problem gambling treatment.