Latest UKGC consultations to focus on land-based technical standards
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has kicked off the latest round of consultations relating to the introduction of the White Paper legislation changes. The consultations aim to provide an opportunity for everyone to have their say, and the Commission has created an online survey to this end.
The 16-week process runs from 29 January to 20 May, with the UKGC’s primary objective being “making gambling in Britain safer and fairer”. More specifically, this third round of consultations are concerned with technical standards and related factors, shining the spotlight on land-based gambling.
Consultation topics
Gaming Machine Technical Standards (GMTS) are the central focus of this round of consultations, but the Commission has flagged several areas to be discussed.
New and existing standards
The first is the introduction of several new standards, which are intended to help players enjoy slot machines in a way that is informed, fair and safe.
It is also looking to amend existing standards, designed to protect players and “improve customer enjoyment and gameplay”.
At present, there are 12 separate technical standards, which the new changes aim to condense into a single one. The proposed new standard will be all-encompassing, and will clarify the relationship between the GMTS and the existing remote gambling and software technical standards (RTS).
Testing standards will also be addressed, with the objective of refining testing processes themselves and removing related “obsolete material” from the standards.
UKGC objectives
The proposed new standards are intended to empower consumers without stifling the industry.
The Commission’s Executive Director for research and policy Tim Miller emphasised the importance of player safety, and stressed that the primary goal of the White Paper remains “ensuring that gambling happens safely”.
Much of the White Paper-related conversation up to this point has been concerned with online betting regulations, but this latest round of consultations puts more of the focus on land-based gaming machines.
Miller acknowledged that changes to gaming machines are costly for operators:
“We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs.”
He called for people to complete the survey, contributing to “evidence that will assist us in measuring both the likely regulatory impacts of the proposed changes and the likely costs of implementing them".
It is reassuring that the UKGC is factoring in the costs involved, and emphasising the importance of making “a robust assessment on whether the benefits to consumers are proportionate to the costs involved".
The survey
The survey itself asks for various personal details, including whether the respondent represents a gambling-related organisation or is a member of the public. It also contains questions relating to gambling experience, along with a number of gambling harm-related multiple choice questions.
Respondents are also given a few additional specifics about the Commission’s plans. For instance, it is currently prohibited for debit cards to be used when playing game machines. If the government decides to lift this ban, then a separate, second consultation will be held. The UKGC also mentions that additional legislation changes may lead to further consultations.
The survey’s methodology involves collecting quantitative data points. However, it also provides opportunities for respondents to justify and share their opinions in text boxes.
Detailed
Although the survey is not something that can be completed in a few short minutes, this is preferable to it being reductive. Hopefully, people won’t be put off by the survey’s in-depth nature and the time required to complete it. Qualitative data is vital in this kind of exercise.
Pros and cons
The advantages and disadvantages of the UKGC’s approach to the latest round of consultations are a mixed and nuanced bag.
The good
Moving towards empowering consumers is good news. Adding time and deposit limit settings allows the customer to stay informed, and encourages responsible gambling without actually preventing people from enjoying themselves.
Similarly, providing advice and information to players, including safer gambling guidelines, is a reliable way to keep players informed and aware of their behaviours without actually being prescriptive or prohibitive.
Some of the new standards aim to promote fairness and reduce the likelihood of players encountering modified, illegally-produced or illegally-maintained machines. Player protection of this sort is crucial.
The simplification of technical standards should make achieving compliance easier for game designers and operators. Removing ambiguities in legislation is in everyone’s best interests.
Another advantage is that the proposed changes should bring land-based gaming regulations more in line with those which apply to online gambling. Keeping this playing field level is essential to the health and viability of both sectors.
The UKGC has at least acknowledged the likelihood that costs will be high for casinos, and seems to be aware that a balance must be struck by weighing up consumer safety against the sustainability of the industry.
The not-so-good
Changes to technical standards are likely to prove costly, and may take some time to implement, even after the long consultation process is over. Some casinos may resent the interference and claim that the regulator is overreaching.
It’s also possible that some may feel the UKGC is focusing on the wrong issues here. Technical standards are certainly important, but it could be argued that the Commission is treating symptoms, rather than underlying issues. Some will question the focus on land-based gambling, which is responsible for a relatively low proportion of problem gambling.
On the other hand, there will doubtless be others who claim that the Commission isn’t going far enough, and that harder limitations should be called for, or that the Commission isn’t moving fast enough.
Those who take a more anti-UKGC stance may take issue with the survey itself. The value of a completed survey may be drowned out by the views and opinions of the more vocal consultation contributors, such as anti-gambling charities and operator representatives like the Betting and Gaming Council.
Our take
Ultimately, players and members of the public deserve to have their say. The Commission is doing the right thing by providing this opportunity, and its intentions appear to be good.
In previous consultations, objections to proposed legislation have had almost no effect whatsoever. It’s reassuring to know that the UKGC is actually listening.
It seems that how the evidence and data is treated will be a critical factor. Combing through large numbers of responses may be labour-intensive, but it is crucial if the public opinion is to be heard.
The regulator must keep its word and give serious consideration to the costs of implementing drastic changes to gaming machines.
Summary
In summary, the UKGC’s latest round of consultations is focusing on technical standards and various factors relating to these. The Commission is “seeking views from respondents about any issues we should be aware of in implementing each of the changes and new requirements, should they progress to implementation”.
An online survey has been published, enabling players to have their say. Anyone can complete the survey and share their view. No process is flawless, but it’s vital that players make themselves heard, and that, when given an opportunity to be heard, we take it.
