BGC encourages MPs to acknowledge broader sector in light of gambling reforms
Reacting to the first consultations of the Gambling Act Review white paper, the Betting and Gaming Council (BCG) has implored the DCMS Select Committee Inquiry into Gambling Reforms to consider the possible effects this might have on the wider industry.
The BGC’s CEO, Michael Dugher commenced his discussion by addressing individuals who like placing the sporadic bet or cash in on UK no deposit bonus sites, and how these people are often overlooked.
In his opening statement, Mr Dugher mentioned the need to address “a group of people whose voice has been occasionally lost,” referring to the white paper review. “That’s the 22.5 million people [in the UK] that enjoy a bet on a regular basis”, he added.
During the session, that was also attended by Innovation Executive at the BCG Wes Himes, it was also emphasized that there is currently no clear evidence against the alleged connotations between problem gambling and sportsbook advertising. On the contrary, Mr Himes also mentioned that problem gambling rates have statistically dropped over the last couple of years which leads for further speculation.
“They’ve nearly halved since 2017” he noted, indicating that the current value of 0.3% is amongst one of the lowest rates in the world. He further reinforced this claim by stating that “even though there’s been a rise in enjoyment of the product, there’s also been a reduction in the problem gambling rate.”
The BCG also mentioned that over the last three years, the Council has developed “eleven codes, along with over 80 substantial measures,” with the aim of creating a “safer gaming culture,” it was concluded.
Future Steps for the White Paper
During the consultation, the BCG made specific reference to sections of the white paper, addressing the DCMS with requests for expedition when it comes to areas concerned with modernizing UK casinos. According to Mr Dugher, casinos today are in desperate need of “access to some of the liberalizing and modernization measures” that address the wider business community and could eventually contribute to safeguard current businesses while allowing opportunity for others to grow.
Originally described as a “once in a generation moment for change” by the BCG when it was originally announced in April, the Council is actively collaborating with the GB Gambling commission and the Government in order to ensure that all of the recommendations mentioned in the white paper are eventually delivered in a ‘frictionless’ manner while also “spending checks to further protect the vulnerable”. In his closing remarks, Mr Dugher noted that “the focus should now be on continuing to drive higher standards,” while also focusing on investing in jobs and businesses within the regulated UK betting industry.