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Government Introduces Levy and Slots Cap to Curb Problem Gambling
The Government has announced plans to bring forward a levy on gambling operators, helping to generate £100 million for the NHS and for the prevention and treatment of potential gambling harms.
Obligatory charge for gambling operators
UK government has introduced an obligatory charge on gambling operators to replace the criticised and inconsistent voluntary system. A change which is expected to create £100 million annually will go to the NHS to address harms.
Stake limits for online slots
New restrictions capping online slots (£5 for 25+ players and £2 for players 18-24) aimed at reducing gambling-related risks specially in vulnerable groups.
Addressing gambling harms as a focal point
A critical shift in regulatory approach, the main focus of these measures are to emphasis a stronger commitment to reduce problem gambling and improve support resources.
There has been a voluntary levy in place for gambling operators in the UK, but some companies were paying as little as £1 a year in this scenario. With the new mandated levy there won’t be a way for companies to get out of paying towards this help to try and fund the NHS to a better standard.
At the same time, the Government confirmed that there would now be online slot stake limits, which are set at £5 for over 25s and £2 for young adults aged 18 to 24. That means at UK-regulated casinos there will not be an option to bet more than £5 per spin for anybody.
Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross confirmed that the government will introduce these stake limits for online slots based on evidence from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, which shows young adults can be particularly vulnerable to gambling related harm. People under the age of 25 have a higher rating on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Twycross said:
“Gambling harm can ruin people’s finances, relationships, and ultimately lives. We are absolutely committed to implementing strengthened measures for those at risk, as well as providing effective support for those affected. The introduction of the first legally mandated levy will be instrumental in supporting research, raising awareness and reducing the stigma around gambling-related harm.”
Funding Support Services
This decision is based on government advice from clinicians and the industry, as well as consultations with the public. 50% of all funding that is raised from the system will go directly to the NHS and other appropriate organisations in Scotland and Wales to help with support and treatment.
Campaign groups have called for levies like this one for a long time within the industry, and with the previous voluntary system being ditched for a mandatory one, millions are expected to be raised for the NHS.
You can read more about the Statutory levy and online slot stake limits to be introduced to tackle gambling harm in a press release published by the UK government.
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