Will the new reform protect British gamblers from gambling traps?

Mobile apps have turned gambling into everyday entertainment—you can place a bet on the go, without leaving your smartphone. However, this convenience comes with serious social and financial risks. Is the price of this accessibility too high? The most significant reform of gambling legislation in the UK in two decades aims to answer this question and give hope to thousands of people who have lost control due to online gambling.

Why was reform necessary?

The primary reason for revising the rules is the rapid growth in the volume of online betting. Today, online games are available around the clock, and “virtual casinos in your pocket” are no longer a surprise to anyone. Our authors decided to check how large the market has become in recent years. As it turned out, the audience of top bookmakers and online casinos has grown significantly. And almost all of the top-ranked brands offer mobile apps. For example, Melbet offers several thousand games through its app.

Additionally, we discovered here that the 1win app provides a diverse range of games and comprehensive sports betting functionality. This means that users have access to a vast amount of entertainment. Their enthusiasm for the iGaming industry is therefore understandable.

According to government estimates, there are approximately 300,000 people in the United Kingdom with signs of gambling addiction, which is an alarming signal for society. Real stories of losses sound frightening. One player lost £70,000 in 10 hours, while another invested £23,000 in a record 20 minutes. Such cases highlight the serious threat that digital gambling poses to people's mental and financial health. The old Gambling Act of 2005 was written in entirely different circumstances, when mobile technology did not dictate the rhythm of life for millions of users. Today, the old rules are no longer able to cope with the new challenges.

Key reform measures

In response to these challenges, the government is proposing a package of measures. The central element of the reforms will be a mandatory levy on betting operators and online casinos. The money will go towards treating gambling addiction, research, and educational programs. Control over spending will be entrusted to the government and the National Health Service (NHS).

Another essential step will be to set a betting limit for online slots of £2 to £15 per spin, and enhanced safeguards are being developed for players aged 18–24. Discussions are underway on the possibility of introducing stricter restrictions for this age group.

Much attention is being paid to the system for checking players with abnormally high spending. The Gambling Commission will be given the right to automatically monitor the actions of such customers to identify signs of financial or psychological risk at the earliest stages and prevent catastrophic losses.

Among the priorities is the fight against illegal and offshore platforms. The state is expanding the powers of the regulator, allowing it to block access to prohibited sites that do not comply with consumer protection requirements through the courts and internet providers.

At the same time, new standards for product promotion are being introduced. Particular attention is being paid to restrictions on aggressive bonuses, free bets, and spins that encourage ill-considered spending. A departmental ombudsman is to be created to resolve conflicts between players and operators. Minors will also be prohibited from participating in gambling of any kind. And the tax on horse racing bets is set to be adjusted.

How will these measures affect players and the market?

The expectations for the reform are high. Experts predict that the new laws will provide a powerful impetus to strengthen the protection of the most vulnerable citizens. According to Public Health England statistics, young people are at a higher risk so certain restrictions will provide additional protection against significant losses. Conditions are also likely to be tightened for other groups identified as engaging in risky behavior. Operators have already been warned about a radical overhaul of their marketing strategies.

Experts are divided in their opinions. Officials point to fines successfully imposed on major bookmakers — for example, William Hill was ordered to pay more than £19 million for failing to comply with customer safety standards. Representatives of the Gambling Commission point out that around 8 out of 10 players are unlikely even to encounter the new checks. However, for the 3% of most active users, operations will become more transparent and controllable.

Reaction from authorities, experts, and society

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer emphasizes the symbolism of the change: “Almost everyone has a mobile casino in their pocket. It's easy to place a bet — it's easy to get into trouble.” She is supported by Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, who notes: “Online gambling leaves no room for outdated regulation.” Gambling Commission Chair Andrew Rhodes describes the reform as a rare opportunity to change the industry for the benefit of millions of players. Approval also comes from Health Secretary Neil O'Brien, who emphasizes: “Without support, gambling quickly becomes a destructive habit.”

Human rights organizations generally welcome the measures, but industry representatives are concerned about increased regulatory pressure and the threat of stricter rules on sports sponsorship. The reform could also affect traditional gambling halls and bookmakers if some players move to the “gray” market.

Historical and international context

The introduction of the reform was a logical step following a series of initiatives in recent years: a ban on credit cards for betting, stricter age checks during registration, and a reduction in the maximum bet at offline terminals to £2. The 2005 law lost its effectiveness in the context of mass online gambling.

Global trends show that other countries (Germany, Australia) are also facing the dilemma of freedom and social control over gambling. This is forcing them to seek a balance or introduce temporary restrictions.

Controversial issues and open questions

Among the controversial issues are business concerns about increased burdens and the risk of losing customers, particularly in the context of total control.

The possibility of a rise in the black market is also being discussed. Arguments in favor of reform are based on the proven harm of uncontrolled betting. Opponents emphasize the right of adults to gamble at their discretion. Several provisions are likely to be amended based on the results of public consultations and the first year of the reform's implementation.

Examples and real-life stories

A young man from Manchester complains: “A couple of clicks and you've lost tens of thousands of pounds without even realizing it.” So-called “financial traps in apps” are a reminder of the uncontrolled nature of modern entertainment. The foreign press has published analogies between modern online casinos and an exciting journey through a virtual backstage, where both big wins and devastating losses are possible. Drawing on the experiences of Australia and Germany, British regulators aim to strike a balance that protects society.

Next steps and plans for implementing the reform

The reform is still under discussion, and the authorities promise to consult widely with the public and businesses. The launch of some mechanisms, such as the ombudsman system, may require separate adjustments. In addition, government officials guarantee that the key focus will remain on prevention, support, and independent monitoring of the effectiveness of anti-harm measures.