Gambling Reform for the Digital Age
The Scene of Digital Gambling in 2023
The digital age has transformed the gambling industry, allowing individuals to gamble comfortably at home. Online casinos, sports betting platforms, and digital lotteries have become increasingly popular and millions of people are participating in these activities worldwide.
However, the convenience and accessibility of online gambling has led to an increase in gambling addiction and related problems.
For example, in the UK, the Gambling Commission reported online gambling returns of £5.6 billion in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. This surge in online gambling has raised concerns about the possibility of increased gambling-related harm, especially among vulnerable populations such as young people and problem gamblers.
the need for gambling reform
The current regulatory framework for gambling was established before the digital age and is insufficient to solve the problem of online gambling, and existing regulations focus on physical casinos and betting shops with little consideration for online platforms.
This has created regulatory gaps where online gambling operators can often hurt customers.
There have been numerous high-profile incidents involving financial ruin, depression, and even suicide related to online gambling, which highlight the urgent need for reform and reinforcement of regulations on online gambling operators.
Overview of the proposed reforms
In response to these challenges, governments around the world are considering various reforms to better regulate the online gambling industry, and in the UK, governments are proposing a number of measures to protect consumers and reduce gambling-related harm. 경마사이트
One of the key proposals is the introduction of an "appropriateness check," which requires gambling companies to check whether customers are bankrupt if they lose a certain amount within a month or a year, which will inevitably trigger stricter checks.
Another measure to prevent loss is online slot machine restrictions. It will be set between £2 and £15, with a lower limit for 18 to 24-year-olds. The Gambling Commission will lead the consultation on checking affordability, and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will decide on slot machine restrictions.
To fund gambling addiction research, education and treatment to help gambling addicts and prevent damage, gambling operators will be charged with a mandatory levy and will be responsible for public messages about gambling damage along with DCMS.