Insights Into the UK MPs’ Proposal for Banning Gambling Ads

Published: 18/06/2020

Reading Time: 4 Min

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The influential parliamentary group that includes more than 50 UK MPs and other members from the House of Lords calls for an overall ban on gamblings ads. This appeal also includes a stake restriction of £2 on online slot machines.

APPG Suggests Recommendations On iGaming Harms

The APPG issued a final report on June 15, 2020, that states action to be taken against gambling-related harms. The report publishes more than 20 recommendations about how the regulations for the UK’s gambling require a complete review. It also concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic has only aggravated the requirement for better protection for the ones who are vulnerable to harmful gambling behavior.

The APPG also claimed that gambling ads in Britain can cause harm to people. As ads are promoted to embolden them to gamble, so such measures would be justified. In addition to the ban, there are other recommendations which are as follows:

1. A total ban on TV as well as online gambling ads.
2. A £2 stake restriction on all slot machines.
3. An end to incentives to in-play betting and VIP policies.
4. A new critic to settle a dispute.
5. The stringent controls on all gambling game developments.
6. Self-reliant checks on affordability.

The cross-party members had successfully campaigned before to put control of FOBT and credit card bets. It will now propose more stringent controls on sectors that have drastically grown from the past couple of years.

Radical Reports Proposed By The MPs

MPs seek separate affordability checks to make sure that individuals do not gamble more than their capability to pay. The report’s more salient measure is on a complete ban on advertising. This proposal is made against both broadcasters as well as commercial along with other gambling companies.

According to the MPs, another proposal made by the commissioner was regarding the age limit on insufficient membership policies. They want the commissioner to again take measures in terms of prohibiting such policies altogether. The MPs call for the regulator to fortify and integrate a new gambling authority that can efficiently resolve disputes between the companies and customers.

The MPs also asks for the extension of proposals that were raised by the industry at the time of COVID-19 pandemic, about the end for reverse withdrawals. It is considered as an indication of harmful gambling, where players share money from their gambling account to their bank. Later, they cancel the same amount so that the money can straightaway reach into betting.

The gambling commissioner currently suggested controls on controversial VIP policies whose individuals account are connected with most of the firms’ income. Moreover, there are many gambling schemes in which players get rewards for losing a large amount of money. Rewards are in terms of cashback, football tickets, or free bets. They have been praised in 65% of cases where companies have to pay fines for failure to prevent harmful gambling acts.

Last year, the report removed million of shares of gambling firms. The final report reviews the current proposals by MPs and makes more modifications to work on the addictive features of online gambling. The modifications in the report will include minimizing the spin speed of games like online roulette. It will also analyze psychological tricks like near misses that encourage players for winning.

Statements Made by the Executives

According to the spokesperson, they are dedicated to making more upgradations and leading to safer gambling regulations. They are further looking forward to working closely with the committee impending review.

Ahead of NHS northern gambling, Matthew Gaskell also stated that reports highlight some major recommendations which are needed to be taken seriously. It must be considered as a major and serious public health concern for the UK.

Gambling regulations should do as much as possible to protect its citizens from harms that are connected with gambling.