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UK Government launches review to ensure gambling laws are fit for digital age

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The Culture Secretary has launched a major and wide-ranging review of gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age as committed to in the manifesto.

Online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission will be looked at as part of a call for evidence, to examine in detail how gambling has changed over the past 15 years.

Protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed will all be explored.

The findings will be used to inform any changes to the Gambling Act 2005 to ensure customer protection is at the heart of the regulations, while giving those that gamble safely the freedom to do so.

The review will also look at evidence on the action customers can take where they feel operators have breached social responsibility requirements, such as intervening to protect customers showing clear signs of problematic play, and how to ensure children and young people are kept safe from gambling-related harm.

The Government recognises the need to balance the enjoyment people get from gambling with the right regulatory framework and protections.

It has also been announced today that the minimum age for playing the National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 from October 2021.

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said:
“Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age. From an era of having a flutter in a high street bookmaker, casino, racecourse or seaside pier, the industry has evolved at breakneck speed.

“This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It will also help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.

“This builds upon our clear track record of introducing tough measures to protect people from the risk of gambling harm – banning the use of credit cards, launching tighter age verification checks and cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals.”

Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Huddleston said:
“We’re committed to protecting young people from gambling related harm which is why we are raising the minimum age for the National Lottery. Patterns of play have changed since its inception, with a shift towards online games, and this change will help make sure the National Lottery, although already low-risk, is not a gateway to problem gambling.”

It follows a range of measures recently introduced by the Government to protect consumers from the risk of gambling-related harm. These include cutting the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals, bringing in tighter age and identity checks for online gambling, banning gambling using credit cards and expanding national specialist support through the NHS Long Term Plan.

In September the Government launched a call for evidence to explore young people’s experiences of loot boxes in video games. This will provide a clearer picture of the size of the loot box market in the UK and fully examine any evidence of harms or links to problem gambling.

The review of the Gambling Act 2005 will also consider the Gambling Commission’s powers and resources to ensure it can keep pace with the licensed sector and tackle the black market.

In October the Gambling Commission introduced new rules on VIP schemes, and has called for evidence around how to ensure operators identify and intervene where people are at risk of harm, including through carrying out affordability checks. The Commission will also soon set out new rules on safer game design for online slots and withdrawing winnings.

Alongside the launch of the review, the Government is announcing its decision to raise the minimum age to play the National Lottery from 16 to 18, to protect young people from gambling related harm.

Since it began in 1994 the National Lottery’s games portfolio has changed significantly and there has been a growing trend towards online play and instant win games like scratchcards. Following a consultation, from October 2021 it will be illegal to sell all National Lottery products to under 18s.

The Government is working with the Gambling Commission and Camelot to roll out the new age limit across the National Lottery products as quickly as possible and to ensure that it is in place by October. Under current plans, online sales to 16 and 17 year olds will stop in April 2021.

Source: gov.uk

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Compliance Updates

KSA Issues Warning to 711 BV

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The Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has issued a warning to 711 BV, an online gambling provider, for using an influencer to advertise online gambling. This violates the ban on using role models to advertise online gambling. The purpose of these rules is to protect vulnerable groups, such as young people and at-risk and problem gamblers, from gambling advertising.

Role model ban

Online gambling providers are prohibited from using role models, such as professional athletes, actors, models and influencers. The Royal Netherlands Gambling Authority (KSA) has informed 711 that all expressions in which the influencer promotes the gambling provider must be removed. This means, among other things, that the expressions may no longer be seen in the videos. 711 has confirmed that the collaboration has ended and has initiated the removal of the content in question.

The KSA emphasized that gambling providers must be careful about who they use for promotion.

In addition, the KSA addressed 711 about offering tournaments in which players were automatically entered, without having to register or agree to the bonus terms. This can lead to inappropriate gaming behaviour. 711 has confirmed that it has stopped this practice.

The post KSA Issues Warning to 711 BV appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise

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eGaming Integrity Ltd marks its two-year anniversary, celebrating a period of growth, trust, and continued delivery of independent regulatory, compliance, and audit expertise to eGaming operators, suppliers, and Corporate Service Providers.

Founded by former regulators and senior compliance leaders, eGaming Integrity was established with a clear mission: to help protect licences and reputations through practical, regulator-ready assurance. Two years on, the firm continues to provide objective, expert support designed to strengthen governance and reduce regulatory risk.

A Trusted Partner for Assurance

In just 24 months, eGaming Integrity has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking confidence in their control environments. The team delivers:

  • mock regulatory audits and inspection readiness;
  • independent internal audit programmes;
  • targeted remediation and advisory support.

Emma Shilling, Director, highlighted the firm’s commitment to meaningful, independent assurance: “Reaching our second anniversary is a proud moment. From day one, our focus has been to provide independent assurance that adds real value. We help embed governance and compliance into everyday operations to protect licences and reputations for the long term.”

Robert Penfold, Head of Internal Audit, highlighted the importance of objective insight in strengthening client operations: “Over the past two years, eGI has shown how truly independent audit and compliance support can reduce risk and give boards confidence that controls are working as they should. Our role is to provide clear, workable solutions that prepare businesses for scrutiny and support their ongoing success.”

Looking Forward

As it enters its third year, eGaming Integrity remains committed to delivering expert,

impartial, and commercially practical assurance. Whether preparing businesses for regulatory engagement, providing independent internal audit services, or supporting targeted remediation, the firm’s goal remains simple: to be the trusted partner that helps protect licenses and reputations.

The post eGaming Integrity Celebrates Two Years of Independent Compliance and Audit Expertise appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Regulators Call for Stronger Measures Against Illegal Online Gambling

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Regulators of Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal and Spain issued a joint institutional statement.

The fight against illegal online gambling is one of the paramount tasks facing regulated jurisdictions. Its borderless nature and the speed of technological innovation make it easier for illegal operators to evade regulatory oversight. This creates significant risks for consumer and public health protection, endanger public order and harms the activity of legitimate operators. In short, illegal online gambling undermines the entire regulatory framework designed to protect the public interest.

The statement reads: “We express our common concern regarding the increasing proliferation of advertising targeting our jurisdictions by unauthorised operators, particularly through digital channels such as social media, video platforms, and affiliate networks. These activities not only violate our national laws but also expose citizens — including minors and vulnerable individuals — to significant risks associated with illegal gambling.

“We wish to express our strong commitment to consumer protection, market integrity, and compliance with national and international regulations within the respective legal framework by:

• sharing information on illegal operators among us

• calling on digital platforms and social media networks to strengthen their control mechanisms to prevent the dissemination of advertising content from unauthorised operators

• reaffirming our commitment to share knowledge and better practices in identifying, investigating, and sanctioning operators acting outside the law.

This statement marks a renewed and united commitment by our jurisdictions to strengthen the integrity of the regulated gambling sector and to protect citizens from the risks posed by illegal gambling activities.”

The post Regulators Call for Stronger Measures Against Illegal Online Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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