Gambling Act Reform to Be Finalized Before 2024 Election

The British Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) official, Stuart Andrew, has stated that discussions on the revised Gambling Act regulations will be finished before the 2024 general election.

Andrew explained that the more technical parts of the white paper will be put out for discussion to ensure the department “follows proper procedures” and avoids further delays. He stressed that the government “must ensure these matters are completely correct” as the proposals are at risk of being challenged.

Andrew mentioned that the discussion will be jointly conducted by the department and the Gambling Commission. He expressed no worries about the resources the commission will receive, which will allow it to effectively carry out the tasks.

Andrew also suggested that the provisions outlined in the white paper will not be the final decisions on reform. The introduction of a tax will signify the need for further work.

“Our goal is to have everything in place by next summer so that we are prepared for the next general election,” Andrew added.

We will keep evaluating all of this, he stated. The fact that we gather taxes implies we can fund research in specific areas to determine if additional action is required.

Furthermore, the department will draw upon experience from other nations globally. Andrew believes that this “more focused strategy” will ultimately prove more effective.

**Putting affordability checks into practice**

The specific implementation of affordability checks has been recognized as one of the most pressing concerns for operators under review. Organizations such as the UK Gambling Commission have cautioned that stricter interpretations could drive gamblers towards the illicit market.

Andrew stated that by introducing standardized affordability checks, DCMS aims to ensure a consistent approach across the gambling sector. The majority of users will be unaffected by these checks. However, for those who require further evaluation, the process will be conducted in a manner that is “nearly undetectable” to them.

The Gambling Commission will collaborate with the Financial Conduct Authority and the Information Commissioner’s Office to ensure the checks are technically achievable.

During the consultation, affordability checks will be tested through a computational process to ensure they are as smooth as possible.

**Plan for a statutory levy**

Prior to the publication of the official document, whispers circulated that the administration intended to levy a one percent charge on the earnings of gaming enterprises. This revenue would be allocated to fund research, education, and treatment initiatives, deviating from the current voluntary system.

Although the document does incorporate a tax, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has refrained from committing to any precise figures.

Andrew stated that the measure would undergo review during the consultation process to establish the specific numerical values.

“We have received numerous proposals and perspectives from the diverse groups we have been engaging with,” he remarked. “These will shape our thinking as we further refine this concept.”

According to the minister, the tax may not be fixed at a predetermined rate and could potentially be contingent upon the risk profile of a particular gambling operator.

“The secondary authorities we possess empower us to establish the tax in any manner we deem appropriate, which is why we are seeking input on this matter,” Andrew explained.

“For instance, one such mechanism is a formula, which, as outlined in the white paper, will factor in the risk factors associated with individual operators and the associated costs.”

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