Catch up on the latest regulatory and player protection news. Read stories from the MGA, UKGC, and Gamble Aware! (Image from geralt at Pixabay.com)
The latest regulatory and player protection news stories emerging in the UK gambling industry right now are coming from the news pages of the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Gamble Aware.
The UKGC has published its latest 2022 Young People and Gambling Report. The MGA is holding a closed consultation on NFT regulations, and Gamble Aware has revealed the NGST is working wonders for those experiencing gambling problems.
UKGC 2022 Young People and Gambling Report: 0.9% of 11 to 16-Year-Olds are Problem Gamblers
First up, I have news from the UKGC, the UK’s gambling regulatory body that recently featured in our news for revealing UK taxes for gambling operations had reached £1.62 billion in H1 2022. To add to its financial report, just a few days ago, the UKGC released its latest annual Young People and Gambling Report.
Performed each year, this report contains research designed to help regulators and authorities understand the behaviour of children exposed to gambling in the United Kingdom. Authorities, organisations, and the gambling industry use the results to put in place better regulations, protocols, and support to help protect the young from gambling addiction issues.
The results of this report were compiled from a 2022 study conducted by Ipsos, a leading market research company. 2,559 schoolchildren between the age of 11 and 16 completed the Young People and Gambling survey. Below are the key findings:
- 31% of 11 to 16-year-olds in the UK admitted to spending money on gambling activities during the year prior to taking the survey.
- Gambling activities included playing arcade machines with prizes (claw grab machines) and playing cards or placing bets with friends and family.
- The report also found that 23% of young people also took part in regulated forms of gambling.
- 79% of those admitted to doing so as they enjoyed it. 21% claimed it made them happy, while 29% said the opposite. The final 29% were unsure how it made them feel.
- 0.9% of those surveyed are classed as problem gamblers, a further 2.4% are classed as at risk, and 27.3% are not considered problem gamblers.
2022 Young People and Gambling Report Brief Highlights
- Survey was conducted in 2022 by Ipsos on behalf of the UKGC
- Pupils in years 7-11 used an online self-completion form to complete the survey
- The survey establishes a better understanding of how many children partake in gambling activities
- 0.9% of 11 to 16 year olds have a gambling problem
The UKGC is responsible for overseeing all forms of gambling in the UK. That includes land-based operations, the national lottery, and live online casinos and sports betting sites. The regulatory body has the power to fine, suspend, and even take legal action against operators falling foul of its guidelines.
Industry News from MGA and Gamble Aware
In other news, you can read a couple of stories from the Malta Gaming Authority and Gamble Aware in the following sections.
The MGA to Hold a Closed Consultation With Stakeholders on Newly Proposed NFT Rules
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has announced that it has issued a closed consultation on a proposed new policy centred on the use of ITA’s (Innovative Technology Arrangements), VFA’s (Virtual Financial Assets), and Virtual Tokens. During the consultation, which runs until the 14th of December 2022, the MGA will seek the views of stakeholders on its plan to introduce a set of rules and regulations that cover those areas.
During the consultation, which starts with a first meeting arranged for this month, the Malta Gaming Authority will hold a series of regulatory workshops that it hopes will encourage views and opinions on the proposed regulatory framework. In the weeks to come, the MGA will begin to invite interested stakeholders to attend the first workshop in December.
The MGA said in the report: “The ongoing consultation shall give the opportunity to such stakeholders to submit their feedback, if any, regarding the proposed policy”
BeGambleAware Reveals 77% of Problem Gamblers Improve After 6 NGTS Sessions
BeGambleAware, a UK charity organisation that provides help and support to people with gambling addiction or who are affected by gambling harm, has shone a light on a new report. It highlights that people show major improvements in well-being after just half a dozen appointments with the National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS).
The report analysed close to 15,000 referrals and 95,000 appointments before establishing around 77% of people with gambling problems had shown a massive reduction in gambling behaviour after just six appointments across 12 weeks. Upon further appointments, that improvement continued to increase. The NGTS is commissioned by Gamble Aware and is made up of other partnering organisations, including GamCare.
Anna Hargrave, Chief Commissioning Officer at Gamble Aware, said: “It is clear that the national Gambling Treatment Service is making a real difference to those that are experiencing gambling harms across the United Kingdom.”
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