The UK government has warned UK operators not to take advantage of people who are at home due to the lockdown, as we battle the Covid-19 pandemic.Nigel Huddleston, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Sport, Tourism and Heritage has issued letters to heads at Bet365, Flutter Entertainment, The Stars Group, Sky Betting and William Hill, surrounding safeguarding vulnerable gamblers who may have more time on their hands during the lockdown.
Tighter Restrictions
MP’s have urged for tighter gambling restrictions to be enforced and said responsible gambling messaging by operators should be ‘given more prominence’ in marketing across all verticals. They proposed the text for responsible gambling ads be larger and prominent for longer.Huddleston told operators, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) will be requesting up to date information on ‘gambling habits and potential harms’ for customers at this time. He urged all operators to submit data as soon as possible and make it a priority for their organisation.Operators are now facing decreased revenue with all sporting and racing events now cancelled, Huddleston wants detail as to how operators will manage their commitment to responsible gambling funding.He reminded betting operators that government measures have helped secure payroll protection and tax relief to protect their business, but added he was “ sure you agree that it is also a crucial time for us to work together to protect people from gambling related harm.”
GambleAware Hits Funding Targets
Gambling industry operators have got the message regarding funding for protection of vulnerable gamblers and protecting players from gambling related harm. GambleAware charity have confirmed that funding from ‘operator contributions’ has topped the £10m mark for the first time.GambleAware confirmed donations from the gambling industry hit its target in a twelve-month period ending 31st March. Funds are also sourced from a percentage of fines imposed by the UKGC on gambling operators, which GambleAware received £1.44m 2019/20.