What Changes are Proposed for UK Gambling Venue Regulations?

The UK government will introduce new measures for UK gambling venues. As the popularity of online gambling continues to thrive, it highlights the differences between online and land-based gambling regulations.

As the government continues with the UK white paper consultations to update gambling, it's also reviewing how land-based gambling venues, including bingo halls, arcades and casinos, can keep up with online gambling.  

Last week, Minister Stuart Andrew said that current land-based gambling regulations are outdated, overly restrictive, and require modernisation. He added: 'As outlined in the gambling white paper, we are making sure that we have the right balance between consumer freedoms and choice on the one hand and protection from harm on the other.'

What will UK gambling venue regulations proposals do?

The proposed new measures would allow change regarding:

Direct debits: The current ban on gaming machine direct debit card payments will be removed to move with the trend of fewer consumer cash payments. With this change there will be player protection to ensure customer safety.

Increase cap: The maximum cap on fees currently charged by authorities for gambling premises licenses will increase by 15%.

More choice: Offer more gaming machines to customers.

Higher-stake: Arcades and bingo halls will be allowed to offer higher-stake gaming machines to increase customer options and potentially be more attractive to consumers.  

As online gambling surges in popularity, it's important that land-based gambling is not left behind due to outdated regulations and customer restrictions. These new proposals intend to appeal to existing and new customers while ensuring their safety.

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