Enforced Gambling Levy In UK Delayed

Ian Angus the Director of Policy at the UK Gambling Commission said to a delegation at the Lotteries Council meeting this week that changes of the Gambling Act will come into play in the New Year.

Referring t the publication of the governments White Paper on the future of gambling Mr Angus indicated that the areas of review at present those of financial vulnerability checks and financial risk assessment along with incentives on slot based online gambling and direct marketing to customers.

With those reviews coming to an end it is expected any changes to those areas will be first to be implemented next year.

The next round of reviews and consultations will focus on socially responsibility and bonuses offered by operators, free bets and gambling management tools.

On the subject of an enforced gambling levy for operators to pay for gambling related harm Angus said: “Whilst we’re on the levy, we are expecting DCMS to launch their consultation on the levy soon, which will be your chance to make your case. Our advice to the government on the levy will also be published.”

Because any changes to enforcing a levy on operators will be done through secondary legislation this will take much longer to introduce and Angus said on this, “Now we do have to consult before we make any changes to that document which is why there will be a number of consultation windows over the next couple of years.”