Consultation Period for Reviewing Gambling Act White Paper Prolonged
The UK gambling industry has been given an extended timeframe to mull over the proposed changes in the Gambling Act of 2005, thanks to a gaffe by the Gambling Commission. initial deadline for feedback was September 20, but it has been pushed back to October 4.
The Conservative Party administration, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, unveiled the findings of their review into the regulations of the Gambling Act of 2005 in April, proposing new affordability checks, stake limits, advertising restrictions, and a mandatory levy to fund research, education, and treatment (RET) programs.
After receiving industry feedback, the gambling sector in the United Kingdom might face more turmoil as the nation is gearing up for a general election next year. Some experts speculate that the Labour Party, headed by Sir Keir Starmer, could sweep to victory and potentially scrap the industry's planned overhaul in favor of a lighter touch.
The revised problem gambling rate remains undisclosed, but it's now known that the rate for slot players aged 16 to 24, stated at 1.5% in the consultation, was found to only apply to male punters. The overall gambling addiction rate, according to the new data, has decreased from 0.04% in 2018 to 0.02% in 2021.
The UK's gambling landscape has witnessed several regulatory changes and high-profile enforcement actions in recent times. A £686,070 fine was imposed on Corbett Bookmakers for AML failures, and darts player Prakash Jiwa was banned for eight years for match-fixing. In response to mounting concerns, a statutory levy was implemented on 6 April 2025, requiring operators to contribute £100 million towards gambling harm prevention, with online operators facing the highest rates.
Critics argue that the 2005 Act is outdated, particularly regarding online gambling and local authority powers. Calls for a comprehensive legislative overhaul are growing louder, with 40 councils demanding stronger powers to block gambling venues. Political dynamics around gambling reforms remain fluid, with a general election looming and the potential for gambling reforms to become a political bargaining chip.
- The Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have proposed indicators such as new affordability checks, stake limits, and advertising restrictions in response to the review of the Gambling Act of 2005, which includes a mandatory levy to fund responsible gambling programs.
- The UK gambling industry is awaiting the quotient of feedback from the Gambling Commission, extending the deadline from September 20 to October 4, as the sector grapples with the proposed changes and potential regulatory reforms.
- In a casino-and-gambling landscape marked by regulatory changes and high-profile enforcement actions, the industry faces challenges amidst political uncertainty leading up to a general election, with some indicators suggesting a shift in policy towards a lighter touch approach, particularly with regards to online gambling and local authority powers.
