The UK has one of the largest and most respected gaming markets in the world. This is largely an effect of its licensing and regulation by the UK GC, one of the strictest regulators in the world. Only bookmakers, casinos, online slots and poker rooms that meet the highest standards of the Commission will be licensed. It has millions of enthusiastic gamers and more are brought into the fold by television and online advertising. That could change in the not-so-distant future as lawmakers plan to ban all TV ads for sports betting, bingo, and casino games.
APP launches anti-gambling campaign
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Injury is a group of lawmakers from all parties who have a particular goal in mind. They want to make daytime bingo and betting advertisements illegal in the UK. They claim that by denying operators the ability to advertise their products online, they are protecting the most vulnerable citizens. Significant steps have already been taken to suspend advertising on daytime television, but opposition to the project is just as strong as its support.
The group claimed that online gaming companies here try to project a false image of the game through their referral programs. These lawmakers are concerned about the prospect of young people are attracted to the world of games by advertising. Not surprisingly, these are people who consider gambling to be a dangerous activity that can have negative repercussions in society. They redoubled their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic and proposed new, more restrictive laws.
Mixed reactions from society
The APPG counts on the support of citizens, as well as experts to pass the legislation through parliament. For the moment, they are far from convincing the general public that their proposal is fully justified. Even though they have a panel of experts backing their calls to action, there are also a lot of people who challenge their measures. Labor MP Carolyn Harris is one of the most visible supporters of their plans and she has taken several steps towards achieving these goals.
Credit cards can no longer be used for online betting in the UK after these lawmakers highlighted the risks of gambling addiction and financial problems. Changes have also been made to the maximum amount that players can bet online, especially when playing slots. The all-party parliamentary group on gambling harm is pleased with the progress made but does not intend to start here. Its top priority is to ban all forms of online gambling advertising, with the aim of reducing exposure.
The legislation has been criticized by gaming groups as well as players. There are also many lawmakers who criticize the measures as excessive and unjustified. They fear that if players are kicked out of licensed casinos, sports betting and poker rooms, they will choose unregulated casinos. This will put them at unnecessary risk and make online gambling much more dangerous for them.
You might be interested in: How The Vape Industry Is Pivoting With The Vape Mail Ban