Online gambling laws - what will change and when

The clampdown comes as part of a wider review that has been brought into sharper focus by rises in online gambling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gambling Commission data shows lockdowns have led to a surge in uptake of online gambling platforms.

The platforms had been growing anyway with a rise of 25 per cent to 2.61 million players in March 2020 compared to the year before.

It also showed a rise in the number of gambling sessions that lasted more than an hour once the first lockdown kicked in, rising from 1.92 million in March to 2.27 million in April.

A whacking 69 per cent of the online industry’s £2.36 billion bounty comes from online slots and Mid Worcestershire MP and minister for sports, tourism and heritage Nigel Huddleston welcomed the measures to “help curb the intensity of online gambling”.

Here are the main changes.

BANNED

• Features that speed up play or give the illusion of control over the outcome

Many of these games come with features that let the player think they can control the outcome when spins are randomly generated. Companies will have to eradicate these.

• Slot spin speeds faster than 2.5 seconds

There will be a mandatory gap of at least 2.5 seconds between spins to slow down the process of potentially harmful losses.

• Auto-play

These options allow players to set the slot machine to spin on its own multiple times. The regulator says this can lead to gamblers losing track of losses without having the chance to stop.

• Misleading sounds or images

Slot machines will be barred from playing positive-sounding noises or music when a player has lost money, known as “losses disguised as wins”. They are seen as tricking players into thinking there has been a positive outcome when they have lost, encouraging them to continue betting.

• Reverse withdrawals

This is the function that lets gamblers keep gambling with winnings that they had requested to withdraw.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Players must be able to see their total losses, wins and time played during any online slots session.

WHY THIS HAS HAPPENED

The Gambling Commission said it was “monitoring online operators closely” throughout the pandemic and would step in with action if necessary.

In May, the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Gambling Related Harm said: “As our daily life becomes increasingly restricted and bars, pubs and entertainment venues close, many millions of people will now be at home with time on their hands.

“Many will turn to the mini casino on their mobile phone for entertainment.”

The statement on the latest measures read: “Since the publication of the Gambling Commission’s consultation in July 2020, further research has shown that using an auto-play feature has been linked to some players losing track of play, making it difficult for some to stop playing and in some cases gambling on other activities simultaneously.

“Evidence shows that reverse withdrawal functions present a risk to players because of the temptation to continue gambling.

“In addition, the slot features being removed or more closely controlled have been associated with increased intensity of play, loss of player control, or binge play.”

REACTION

Mr Huddleston, said: “Today’s steps will help curb the intensity of online gambling, introducing greater protections that will reduce the risk of gambling related harm.

“I welcome the Gambling Commission’s tough measures as we continue our comprehensive review of gambling laws to make sure they’re fit for the digital age.”

Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McArthur said: “To make online games safer we are introducing a ban on features that speed up play, or give the illusion of control over the outcome.

“This is another important step in making gambling safer and where the evidence shows that there are other opportunities to do that we are determined to take them.”

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the industry lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), said the industry was “determined to drive change and promote safer gambling”.

He said: “That’s why we welcome the Gambling Commission’s announcement, which builds on the BGC’s new code of conduct from last September for the design of online games in a bid to further improve player safety.

“BGC members have already introduced measures including the slowing down of spin speeds and banning several gaming features which have caused concern.”