In the summer of 2023, the UK Government and Gambling Commission initiated consultations on the initial round of topics outlined in the UK White Paper. Kindred Group has now presented its final positions on these subjects, as the consultations have concluded, with feedback from the government and commission poised to guide the next steps in the regulatory process.
Financial Risk Checks:
The first topic under consideration was the establishment of financial risk checks by the Gambling Commission. The aim was to create a system that was targeted, proportionate, and user-friendly. Kindred expressed support for such checks but emphasized the need for a genuinely frictionless process, subject to thorough examination and operator testing. They also backed the introduction of a light-touch financial check at a £125 net loss, an initiative already in place at registration. However, Kindred strongly opposed the proposal for operators to manually review all checks, considering it impractical and unreasonable. Additionally, they disagreed with the requirement for operators to collect postcode and job title data from customers, citing potential friction in the customer journey.
Direct Marketing Opt-In Requirements:
The second topic addressed the need for higher standards regarding customer consent for direct marketing and promotional offers. Kindred endorsed the aspiration for customers to receive relevant marketing to enhance their experience, as well as the introduction of opt-in options on a channel-specific basis. Nonetheless, the company strongly objected to the idea of ‘re-approval’ for communication consent, fearing its impact on customer communications.
Online Slot Stake Limits:
The final topic revolved around online slot stake limits. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) intended to consult on implementing maximum stake limits for online slots, ranging from £2 to £15, with a lower limit for individuals aged 18-24. Kindred supported the lower limit for 18-24-year-olds but proposed offering it to all adults while implementing additional measures for vigilance, policies, and monitoring for younger players and those with limited affordability. They also stressed that stake limits should be risk-based rather than uniform numbers. Kindred highlighted the concern that unlicensed markets might not adhere to these limits, potentially leading players to unrestricted sites.
Kindred Group’s response to the UK White Paper’s regulatory proposals reveals a complex landscape where industry players seek a balance between consumer protection and practicality. As the UK Government and Gambling Commission review these positions and gather feedback, they face the challenging task of shaping a regulatory framework that addresses the diverse concerns of operators and safeguards the interests of both players and the industry. The outcome of these deliberations will undoubtedly shape the future of gambling regulation in the UK.