BGC issues response to Government’s online slots limit and statutory levy on gambling profits

THE Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has issued a response to the UK Government’s decision to introduce a statutory levy on gambling profits and impose new stake limits for online slots.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced plans to implement a mandatory levy expected to generate over £100 million annually to support research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms.

Additionally, online slot stake limits will be capped at £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over, while a lower £2 per spin limit will apply to 18 to 24-year-olds.

These measures were outlined in the Conservative Government’s white paper on gambling reform published last year.

The BGC has reiterated its support for the reforms introduced in the white paper but expressed concerns about the tone of the Government’s announcement, warning that it risks misrepresenting the wider gambling industry.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, stated: “The BGC supported plans outlined in the White Paper published last year to reform stake limits and introduce a mandatory levy to fund Research, Prevention and treatment.

“BGC members voluntarily contributed over £170m over the last four years to tackle problem gambling and gambling related harm, including £50m this year alone, funding an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 per cent of all problem gamblers receiving treatment in Britain.”

Hurst also cautioned against overstating the prevalence of gambling issues, adding: “Ministers must not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the 22.5m people who enjoy a bet each month, on the lottery, in bookmakers, casinos, bingo halls and online, do so safely, while the most recent NHS Health Survey for England estimated that just 0.4 per cent of the adult population are problem gamblers.

“The tone of this announcement suggests Government is at risk of losing perspective of these facts, while simply dancing to the tune of anti-gambling prohibitionists, which serves no one.”

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk