After a long wait, the UK gambling community finally received the highly anticipated White Paper, which aims to shake up the rules and regulations governing the industry. In response to this release, Harry Stewart-Moore, a renowned Commercial Litigator and Sports Law expert, shared his valuable insights on the proposed changes. With extensive experience in the High Court and London Court of International Arbitration, Stewart-Moore provided a comprehensive analysis of the White Paper and its potential impact on the gambling landscape.
Affordability Checks: A Radical Shift in British Gambling
The focal point of the White Paper is the introduction of affordability checks, representing a significant departure from the current gambling practices in Great Britain. Stewart-Moore highlights the inclusion of checks for individuals with a net loss of £125 ($155) within a month and £500 within a year. Additionally, higher spenders who incur losses of £1,000 within a day or £2,000 within a 90-day period will undergo more in-depth assessments.
Bookmakers’ Responsibility: Assessing Customers’ Affordability
Stewart-Moore emphasizes that bookmakers will now be required to assess the financial capabilities of their customers before accepting bets. This shift in responsibility places the onus on bookmakers to determine whether individuals can afford to place bets, ensuring they are not at risk of financial harm. However, the implementation of these checks raises concerns about the expertise of bookmakers in accurately assessing customers’ financial situations.
Expertise Gap and the Fox-Guarding-the-Hen-House Dilemma
One of the major concerns raised by Stewart-Moore pertains to the capability of bookmakers to effectively conduct the necessary affordability checks. He questions whether bookmakers possess the expertise required to make informed judgments about customers’ financial circumstances. Drawing attention to the longstanding perception in gambling regulation that “the fox can be trained to guard the hen-house,” Stewart-Moore points out the inherent conflict of interest in relying solely on bookmakers to carry out these assessments.
The release of the UK Gambling White Paper has sparked significant changes within the industry, particularly with the introduction of affordability checks. As Harry Stewart-Moore highlights, these checks represent a radical shift in the way gambling operates in Great Britain. While the goal of protecting individuals from financial harm is commendable, concerns remain about the expertise and impartiality of bookmakers in conducting these assessments. As the industry adapts to these new regulations, it will be crucial to ensure that effective measures are in place to safeguard the well-being of gamblers while maintaining a fair and responsible gambling environment.