UKGC Says Problem Gambling Requires More Action

UKGC wants operators to help protect customers from problem gambling.

The British gambling watchdog, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has criticized the industry for not doing more when trying to deal with problem gambling.

The Commission recently conducted a thorough review of gambling habits across the country, focusing on such aspects as the participation rate, at-risk and problem gambling.

The review also examined the corresponding behaviours and characteristics.

Operators Need to Be More Involved

According to Tim Miller, the executive director of the UKGC, the review concluded that operators needed to take more decisive action when dealing with problem gambling. He said there were some changes, but pointed out that their pace wasn’t as fast as the situation required.

Miller said the review suggested that more than two million people in the United Kingdom were classed as at-risk or problem gambler. Statistically, the overall problem gambling rates are stable, but they don’t include those impacted by the consequences of problem gambling.

Miller stated both the Commission and the industry had to make gambling fairer and safer, while the numbers revealed this would pose a significant challenge. Still, Miller is convinced the success depends entirely upon the industry, government and all others who need to work together in order to offer the maximum available level of protection to consumers.

He emphasized the pace of change had to be faster in order to tackle this issue with the wanted effect.

A Positive Impact Needed

Chris Kelly, the chairman of the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, agreed with Miller that operators need to do more to protect their customers from the harmful effects of gambling.

Kelly said the new findings showed that the number of people affected by gambling-related problems was a cause for concern. He also underlined the importance of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy in this fight.

Kelly stated that during the first year of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy, the Board had managed to identify a number of problems and to plan a list of actions which could assist in tackling the issue of problem gambling.

He once again emphasized the role and responsibility of gambling operators. According to Kelly, they need to have a leading role in protecting the customers and promoting safe play and need to demonstrate they are making a positive impact.