On 9 July 2020, the Gambling Commission announced that it is consulting on changes to the regulation of online slot games design. This follows the Commissions industry challenge report, which it published in October 2019, and through which it set various challenges for operators to tackle in order to make gambling safer for consumers (see Law-Now article). One such challenge to the industry included considering responsible innovation in terms of game and product design to discourage gambling addiction and reduce risk of harm to vulnerable individuals. Following this, the Commission published a report on the progress of operators against the challenges set (see Law-Now article) where it confirmed that it would be consulting on game and product design.

The Consultation

The Commission has stated that its interest in online slots stems from the fact that it is the largest online gambling product by Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) played by relatively few but with a high average spend. Due to the intensity and speed of play and frequency of betting opportunities, the Commission highlights that online slots pose a relatively high risk to vulnerable individuals.

In the consultation, the Commission has proposed the following:

Through the consultation, the Commission will evaluate the impact of the controls and friction proposed in this consultation to reduce the intensity of the play experience for consumers and will take further action if necessary.

The Commission has confirmed that regulatory intervention is needed to make online gambling safer, with this consultation forming just one part of a comprehensive package of work the Commission is undertaking to increase consumer protection.

The consultation opened on 9 July 2020 and will close on 3 September 2020. To take part in the consultation, please click here.

Article co-authored by Fatima Butt

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Gambling Commission consults on online slots game design and reverse withdrawals - Lexology