UK set to increase gambling age to 18

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom has been reported to set up a plan that would increase the minimum age of people wanting to participate in gambling activities to 18 years and above from next year?

In a report on Tuesday from The Sun newspaper, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden supports this proposal that is?“part of a wide range government review on?iGaming;”?and is pushing for the increase of the minimum age requirement from age 16 years to 18; initially set as the threshold to?participate in all online sales six months ago.?

This news comes after the Department for Digital,?Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)?initiated the Gambling Act 2005 Review ?by publishing?the Gambling Act 2005?Call for Evidence. The terms of agreement highlighting a strong focus on responsible gambling; particularly protecting young people from gambling harm.

Dowden told the newspaper that:

the United Kingdom’s gambling industry has?evolved at breakneck speed since the passing of the governing Gambling Act 2005, which was ratified under the administration of the former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and changes are intended to help those who enjoy placing bets to do so safely.

He further?emphasized?that the alteration is also meant “to build upon our clear track records of introducing tough measures to?protect people from the risk of gambling harm.”?

This plan was initiated after the recent ban on the use of credit cards for online?gambling and also the cut in the maximum stake for the nation’s collection of?the fixed-odds betting terminal (FOBT).??

Dowden explained that while some?people gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act 2005 stands for:

an analogue law in a?digital age’s?and?from an era of having a flutter in a high street bookmaker,?casino, racecourse or seaside pier, the industry has evolved at breakneck?speed.??

This comprehensive review will ensure that we are tackling problem?gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It also helps?those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.

Also, the National Lottery run by the Camelot Group stated “We’ve?already started this work in preparation and subject to receiving the?appropriate license variations and waiver from the Gambling Commission”.

They further explained that the National Lottery is aimed at completing all?changes that are needed by the online channels by early April next year.?

The news outlet also reported the support of Michael?Dugher, Chief Executive?officer of the UKGC, asserting that it should?be:?“one rule for?all”?when it comes to promoting safer gambling practices. He?further advised the parliament to?“remember the huge economic contribution?made by the betting and gaming industry.”?

Dugher?stated that:?

I hope ministers will focus in with laser-like precision on?problem gamblers and those at risk. The government must ensure that any?changes do not deprive people to the unregulated black market online where?there?aren’t any safeguards to protect vulnerable people.

Recently, the UK had just?reopened it’s land-based casinos?following a second national lockdown.

Article from: World Casino Directory?

SiGMA Europe:

Following the UK’s December 2020 release of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, SiGMA Group will move its February event to April. SiGMA Europe, which will be based in Malta, will now run from 13-15 April, 2021.