Stricter Rules To Be Applied To UK Players

Mia Gardner | 22 Mar 2019

The statistics around problem gambling in the UK are very scary indeed, but none quite as much as the estimation that at least 500 people pass away every year as a result of suicide because they simply could not see any way out of piling mountains of debt brought about by irresponsible gambling.  Not to mention even the issue of children participating in gambling, a problem-turned-crisis. 55,000 children and young people are thought to suffer from an addiction to gambling.

The UK Gambling Commission has said that in a renewed effort to ensure that self-exclusion systems are adhered to, a more strict and disciplined process will be implemented with player identification and verification. The new system will come into force in May.

Many Loopholes Must Be Closed

Local British newspaper The Telegraph recently ran a story on the new developments, and according to the newspaper, the UKGC has said that there are currently still many loopholes allowing for players who are registered with Gamstop’s self-exclusion scheme, to participate in gambling activities.

Just one of the new conditions include players providing their names, address, date of birth and email address each and every time they sign up to play. Auto log-in will no longer be an option. Players, as well as operators, that try and bypass the new system, will be brought to task.

Making It Easier For All Involved

At present, at least 60,000 gamblers are registered on the UK’s official self-exclusion registry, known as Gamstop. When the new regulations come into force in May, operators will have to remove all players registered with Gamstop from their player-lists. These players will, by law, not be permitted to access any online casino accounts.

The new system will be of a great help to operators when determining whether credit or debit cards used actually belong to self-excluded players. According to the UKGC, the main aim is to empower operators to help players and bettors from coming to harm. In February, the issue of credit cards came under the loop. The commission is currently still toying with the idea of a complete ban on the use of credit cards as an acceptable payment method.