British regulator opens affordability consultation

The Gambling Commission has begun a consultation on stricter requirements for operators.

UK.- The Gambling Commission has opened a consultation on stricter requirements to identify customers at risk of gambling-related harm.

Stakeholders are invited to offer feedback on the thresholds that it intends to set for new affordability checks.

The Commission believes that operators are not making the best use of tools available to identify customers that may suffer gambling-related harm.

The new measures would require operators to act on information they have about a player’s vulnerability and conduct affordability assessments at thresholds defined by the regulator.

Gambling Commission executive director Tim Miller said: “We are clear on the need for gambling companies to take further action and that the Commission must set firm requirements to set consistent standards.

“But we want to have an open discussion with the gambling industry, consumers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders, to ensure we strike the right balance between allowing consumer freedom and ensuring that there are protections in place to prevent gambling harm.”

The consultation will run until January 12.

Meanwhile, the UK’s Committee of Advertising Practice has launched a consultation on gambling advertising as it aims to reduce exposure among minors.