‘Gaming the System’
Now a gambling therapist for counselling service Breakeven, Dan Chandler revealed that many individuals he assists have confessed to engaging in underaged betting and “gaming the system” by manipulating age verification processes.
He elaborated by providing an example of a 16-year-old boy who could use his father’s details to register for an online gambling service but then input his own card details for transactions.
Chandler emphasized that gamblers are often resourceful in finding ways to continue their destructive gambling habits, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
On a broader scale, the NHS has reported a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment for gambling-related issues, suggesting a growing concern within the population.
In response, Gambling Minister Fiona Twycross emphasized the necessity of implementing stake limits for online slots to safeguard vulnerable individuals, particularly young adults.
Twycross highlighted the detrimental impact of gambling addiction on individuals’ financial stability, relationships, and overall quality of life, underscoring the urgency for preventive measures.
Moreover, the government plans to introduce the first legally mandated levy on the betting industry to allocate funds towards addressing gambling addiction and related issues.
The Betting and Gaming Council, a prominent industry advocacy group, disclosed that it had voluntarily contributed £170 million towards supporting gambling harm services over the past four years.
However, the government raised concerns about the unequal distribution of contributions among gambling companies, with some operators contributing as little as £1 annually towards research, prevention, and treatment efforts.
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, expressed support for the government’s initiatives while cautioning against overlooking the industry’s efforts and succumbing to anti-gambling sentiments.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that the mandatory levy would generate £100 million for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.
A significant portion of the funds will be allocated to direct NHS care, public health campaigns, and research initiatives to combat the pervasive impact of gambling addiction.
The proposed levy structure will be based on a percentage of a firm’s gross gambling yield, varying between 0.1% and 1.1%, depending on the sector, to ensure equitable contributions from industry players.
These measures stem from a consultation conducted by the previous Conservative government between October 2023 and January 2024, reflecting a concerted effort to address the escalating challenges posed by online gambling addiction.