Online gambling regulations in the UK: Authorities establish spin-based betting limits according to user age.
Friday's Big News from the UK's Culture, Media, and Sport Department: They announced that Parliament had given the green light to a new restriction on online slot games. For folks under 25, the limit is set at 2 GBP (approximately 2.34 EUR). Individuals aged 25 and over can wager up to 5 GBP per round.
Balancing Ground-Based and Digital Gambling
Until recently, gamblers had no restrictions on the amount they could bet on online slots. However, a report in the British Independent reminded us that since 2019, the stake limit for playing on land-based machines, also known as FOBTs, is 2 GBP per spin [English article].
The recent regulation of online gambling was introduced due to findings showing that online gambling can lead to addiction, with young adults being especially at risk. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities reported similar findings.
As stated by Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, this move is a crucial step towards controlling gambling in the UK:
The popularity of online gambling is undeniable. This rule will make online gambling's competitive grounds align with land-based gaming. It's another protective measure introduced this year to safeguard individuals from gaming harm. – Stuart Andrew, UK Gambling Minister, Source: The Independent**
Advocates for gambling addiction were pleased with the UK government's decision. However, Charles Ritchie, co-founder of Gambling with Lives, suggested that consideration should also be given to slowing down game speeds, rigorous bonus checks, and providing information about the risks of addiction.
Unequal Regulation in Germany
Unlike the UK, where digital and land-based gambling have been unified in regulation, Germany has different rules for stationary slot machines and online slots:
- Stake Limits: The maximum bet at land-based machines is 2.30 EUR, with a minimum interval between rounds of 75 seconds. Online games allow a maximum bet of 1 EUR but offer a new game round every five seconds.
- Win/Loss Limits: Losing up to 60 EUR per hour and winning up to 400 EUR per hour is the limit at land-based machines. These limits do not apply to online games.
- Minimum Age: Both online and land-based casinos and gaming halls allow players 18 years old. However, some federal states have a minimum age of 21.
- Taxation: Online gambling providers only pay a 5.3% flat tax on stakes, whereas land-based slot machines pay taxes with various types and often at much higher rates.
Many operators of land-based gaming services complain of being unable to continue due to excessive regulations. Consequently, many players move to online platforms, often playing with unlicensed providers offering more attractive payout ratios.
Beginning in 2024
Approval of the stake limit was granted, but it won't take effect until September 2024. Operators of relevant gambling services will have six weeks to implement the 5-GBP cap. Six weeks later, they must ensure that players under 25 cannot bet more than 2 GBP per spin.
Additionally, the UK government has announced plans for further player protection measures and adherence to the UK Gambling White Paper's guidelines. Details of these measures have yet to be disclosed.
Given the current regulatory changes in the UK's gambling sector, it's crucial for news outlets to keep their audiences informed about the evolving landscape.
Following the implementation of the new stake limit, it will be interesting to see how the balance between online and ground-based gambling shifts in the UK.
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