UK Government Outlines Gambling Reforms to Protect Vulnerable Customers

   By Ian Walker 
 

The U.K. government on Thursday set out proposals for gambling reforms designed to protect vulnerable customers.

As part of its plan, the U.K. government's Department for Culture, Media and Sports will force companies to step up their checks on when losses are likely to be unaffordable and harmful for gambling customers.

It also plans to bring online slots games more in line with brick-and-mortar equivalents with a stake limit on online slots of between 2 and 15 pounds($2.49-$18.70), subject to consultation.

Gambling-and-betting company Entain PLC said it welcomes the review and has already implemented many of the proposals.

"As a global and diversified business that operates in over 40 territories around the world, all of which are regulated or regulating, we are firmly in favor of regulation that preserves the market for the vast majority of customers who enjoy recreational betting and gaming, whilst also ensuring appropriate protection to all players," Entain Chief Executive Jette Nygaard-Andersen said.

Flutter Entertainment PLC said it noted the review and was assessing its contents, and that it will update the market once this has completed.

Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 27, 2023 07:49 ET (11:49 GMT)

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