The UK government has announced a two-week extension for its consultation on stake limits for online slots due to an error in the data presented in the documentation. The initial documentation had stated that the UK problem gambling rate for 16 to 24-year-olds was 1.5 percent. However, it was later revealed that this figure applied only to men, with the overall rate for this age group being 0.8 percent, as per data from Public Health England. In light of this discrepancy, the government has postponed the submission deadline for the consultation to October 4.
Repercussions and Concerns:
This extension raises concerns about whether the government and the Gambling Commission will be able to complete all of the consultations outlined in the government’s gambling white paper before the upcoming general election, which must be held before January 28. The delay caused by the data error is likely to amplify these concerns.
Focus of the Consultation:
The consultation in question revolves around proposals to implement maximum stake limits for spins on online slots. Currently, a £2 limit is in place for land-based fixed-odds betting matching terminals. The proposed stake limit for online slots falls in the range of £2 to £15. The rationale behind this proposal is that online slots are deemed high-risk, associated with significant losses and extended gambling sessions.
Parallel Efforts by the Gambling Commission:
Simultaneously, the British Gambling Commission is conducting its own set of consultations outlined in the Gambling White Paper. These consultations cover topics such as online game design, financial risk checks for online gambling, direct marketing and cross-selling, and age verification at land-based gambling venues.
CEO Andrew Rhodes has identified the consultation on financial risk checks as particularly challenging. Rhodes has clashed with both the industry and media, accusing outlets like Racing Post of publishing “imbalanced stories” about the proposed regulations.
The UK government’s decision to extend the consultation deadline due to a data error underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the ongoing discussions surrounding stake limits for online slots. As stakeholders navigate this landscape, the concerns regarding the completion of all necessary consultations before the looming general election remain a focal point of attention.