GamCare calls for better protection in the land-based gambling sector

GamCare, an organization that focuses on actively raising awareness for problem gambling in the United Kingdom and seeks to aid those who may suffer of gambling-related issues, has issued a new set of proposals that the organization hopes would lead to better protection of consumers in the land-based gambling sector.

GamCare has hailed the work done by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport which proposes to improve the land-based gambling sector by introducing monetary and time limits, on top of a previous decision to cut the stakes for fixed-odds betting machines, which has been welcomed as a step in the right direction.

Yet, GamCare is not sure if this fully corresponds with the level of player protection that is needed, the organizaiton argues in its official statement. The charity particularly focuses on the so-called Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) for which it believes there can be better safeguard.

There are four main highlights that GamCare suggests need to be introduced to better protect vulnerable and at-risk players. For one, there should be a reassessment of the number of EGMs. Specifically, GamCare argues that new legislation could now lead to more EGMs that feature higher betting limits, which are seen as a danger to vulnerable consumers.

In terms of player protections, GamCare cites data amongst respondents it has interviewed, and has confirmed that most people want to see deposit limits, automated breaks, timelimits, and more. As part of these player protection measures, players want to also see stronger responsible gambling messages that are prominent, to the point, and visible.

GamCare is also taking a look at cashless payments, which the organization argues are linked to higher spending. The charity wants to see deposit limits as well as verifications in place to ensure that no reckless gambling behavior is going on. GamCare also insists that cash-out Category D slot machines must all be restricted to players over the age of 18.

The proposals in themselves aren’t revolutionary and they are already partialy in the works. EGMs, though, are specifically targeted by GamCare using its own data and interviewing people with lived experiences who can see the merit of ensuring that the land-based sector is better regulated with a strong focus on protecting players and keeping them away from harm’s way.

GamCare has also recently announced itself in support of a maximum betting limit for online slots, seeing this as an efficient measure to keep players away from gambling harm.

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