Bringing gambling legislation into the digital age

The Conservative British Government is set to modernize the region’s gambling legislation to bring it into the digital age if the Tories get re-elected. This would entail a review of the current framework to see what improvements can be made.

Loot boxes and the use of credit cards when gambling through online platforms will be among the main concerns. These have been major issues in recent times, with numerous political parties and gambling representative bodies calling for changes to be made. 

Loot boxes and the use of credit cards when gambling through online platforms will be among the main concerns

The 59-page electoral manifesto detailing the proposed changes was released a few weeks before the general election, which is set to take place on December 12.?

New manifesto’s core areas of focus

With constantly increasing levels of problem gambling and gambling participation, particularly among young people, the UK government believes now is the time for a change.?The goal of the new Tory manifesto is to

legislate to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online.”

The document also places great emphasis on protecting vulnerable individuals and children by preventing their access to harmful materials. A mandatory levy on gambling firms is also likely.

Finally, the UK government also aims to ensure that no terrorist groups are using online gambling to fund themselves. 

The current British Gambling Act came into force in 2005, with the sector experiencing significant changes over the intervening years. 

Other parties call for gambling reforms

The recent general election campaign cycle has seen both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats discuss their proposed changes to the country’s gambling legislation. 

Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn believes a key area for address is gambling advertising. Former Labour Party Deputy Leader Tom Watson, who recently stepped down from the role, has long been calling for a review of the Gambling Act. He also wants the creation of an independent ombudsman to monitor the region’s gambling company engagements with customers. 

A cross-party group recently released an interim report on legislative changes. One of the most significant proposals regarded a maximum stake of ￡2 for online casino games. 

The manifestos of the Brexit Party and the Green Party do not mention any specific changes proposed for the UK’s gambling sector.