Gambling companies on high alert ahead of the anticipated publication of a long-awaited white paper
Gambling companies are on high alert for the anticipated publication of a highly anticipated white paper next week.
Sources told The Mail on Sunday that the industry’s comprehensive review — which is expected to be 200 pages — will be released within days. The document contains new rules and guidelines for the controversial sector.
The review was initially set to be published two years ago, but delays have left investors and gambling companies in the dark.
It is expected to introduce a wave of restrictions on online gambling, including a potential limit on online slot bets between £2 and £15, with a £2 limit for children under 25.
Around 300,000 people in the UK have been labeled ‘problem gamblers’, with campaign groups calling for tougher measures to protect them.
Shake-up: The review was initially supposed to be published two years ago, but delays have left investors and gambling companies in the dark
The shake-up also aims to introduce new controls around free bets, in the hopes of addressing features that could lead players to develop an addiction. This would be a blow to gambling companies, whose revenues are supported by high-spending customers.
Gambling businesses could get a boost by removing restrictions on bingo halls and casinos where regulations have not been revised since 2005. Part of this will be to provide consistent rules about slot machines.
Stocks such as Rank Group, the owner of Grosvenor Casino, are likely to close as a result of these potential changes.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Culture, Media and Sport said: “We are committed to protecting those at risk of gambling-related harm.”