The British gaming sector, as voiced by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has defended the bulk of bettors who engage in wagering responsibly. Acknowledging the government’s latest white paper seeking to overhaul the gaming industry, the BGC stressed that the overwhelming majority of the 22.5 million UK bettors do so responsibly and shouldn’t face penalties.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher emphasized the need to differentiate between the small fraction of individuals grappling with problem gambling and the millions who partake in betting responsibly. He underscored that these individuals contribute to the national economy and should retain the freedom to spend their earnings as they see fit.
The BGC’s declaration comes as a reaction to the government’s white paper, which suggests more stringent regulations for the sector, encompassing affordability assessments, wagering caps, and modifications to slot machine functionalities. These actions are designed to safeguard the vulnerable 0.3% of the populace categorized as problem gamblers. The BGC affirms that the industry is dedicated to collaborating with the government to implement these alterations while guaranteeing that the enjoyment of the majority of responsible gamblers remains unaffected.
In the last three years, Britain has made considerable progress in fostering a more secure gaming landscape. They have strengthened regulations and introduced more than 80 fresh safeguards to shield individuals. This has resulted in a substantial decline in problematic gambling occurrences, which have practically been cut in half since 2017. Currently, the UK possesses one of the lowest proportions of gambling-related issues worldwide. It is crucial to acknowledge that the gaming sector plays a vital part in the British economy, injecting billions and sustaining numerous employment opportunities. Despite the industry’s expansion, the UK has successfully enhanced the safety of gambling for all. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is additionally advocating for more stringent limitations on social media promotions to further safeguard young individuals.