UK Minister Urges Gambling Industry to Protect Vulnerable Players During the Coronavirus Crisis

Minister Nigel Huddleston has sent a letter to gambling companies in the UK, asking them to implement stricter policies, in order to protect gamblers at risk during the current lockdown.
 

A REMINDER TO ENACT BETTER SAFEGUARDS

The letter was addressed to the biggest gambling companies in the UK, including William Hill, Bet365, Flutter Entertainment, GVC Holdings, and The Stars Group’s Sky Betting & Gaming and meant to remind the operators that they were in charge of keeping the online gamblers safe during this difficult time.

The minister informed operators that the UK Gambling Commission would send a data request on how they could ensure the players’ safety, in order to shield them from potential threats.

Huddleston went on explaining that completing the request was in the best interest of both the gambling companies and the players. In addition, the minister demanded that operators explain how they would meet their responsible gambling goals in the light of falling gambling revenue and the absence of sports betting operations.
 

ONGOING BATTLE AGAINST GAMBLING ADDICTION

The sports minister’s letter also calls for gambling companies to make a priority out of their reviews on VIP schemes, game design, and advertising technology.

Huddleston has also requested an update on the industry’s plan to increase expenditure on the research and treatment of gambling addiction. Many important gambling companies committed earlier on to investing £100m ($123m) in this program over the course of four years.