Gambling minister changes detrimental to industry and stakeholders
$5,000 Welcome Bonus
There have been three Prime Ministers since June 2018. The constant turnover of gambling ministers since 2018 is an indication of the turmoil affecting UK politics. It causes regulatory and commercial uncertainty for the gambling industry. It also delays the publication of a White Paper. There are also constant changes of ministers with responsibility for gambling.
Eight gambling ministers have been appointed since 2018. Richard Caborn held the job for nearly six years, Gerry Sutcliffe for three years and John Penrose for four years. Since Tracey Crouch resigned in November 2018, Paul Scully has been named as the latest gambling minister. The White Paper on the reforms expected in the White paper is well-known. It will focus on affordability, ‘smart stake’ limits, potential bans on online VIP schemes and targeting online bonuses based on a customers‘ spend or losses.
Gambling minister changes detrimental to industry and stakeholders. Affordability checks around affordability limits set at £125 net loss within one month or £500 within a year. Smart stake limits to be introduced for online slots with a low default of between £2-£5 per spin and an upper cap limit of £10- £25 per spins.
Gambling minister changes detrimental to industry and stakeholders are not yet to be addressed. Wagering requirements are a key issue. Players have complained about lengthy and hard to meet terms and conditions imposed on them by operators. Affiliate groups such as No Wagering have campaigned for fairer terms.
Paul Scully is the new gambling minister. Lee Fenton, CEO of Bally Corporation, the parent company of UK brands such as Virgin Casino, Virgin Bingo and JackpotJoy, believes his first impression of him is positive. The gambling review is a priority for DCMS, but it is not expected to be the top priority.
