Gambling Commission unveils Experts by Experience working group
Regulator to create permanent experience-led group to advise on future legislative changes
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched its first Experts by Experience (EbE) group to provide “advice, evidence and recommendations” on future regulatory decisions.
The interim group, which includes safer gambling charity GamCare, has been reviewing proposals by the UKGC’s three operator-led working groups into VIP programmes, safer advertising and game design first unveiled in March.
The group, which will be in place until a permanent body is appointed in September, comprises of people who have suffered a wide range of gambling harms and includes recovering gambling addicts and those who have lost children to gambling-related suicide.
In a report outlining the progress made in these groups, the UKGC has revealed that a total ban on VIP programmes was the “dominant view” of EbE members.
The stance followed a consultation with former VIP scheme members but it was later dismissed by the regulator and reduced to strict controls on VIP programmes through LCCP amendments, which were released for consultation earlier today.
EbE has said there is no evidence based on their own experience, wider research and practice to suggest that VIP schemes are “safe” for consumers over 25 years old.
The group also reported to the UKGC that monetary incentives used to promote gambling such as free bets was “problematic” and something the regulator should investigate further.
Echoing similar calls made by the Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group, the EbE has called for limits on both stakes and prizes, citing a “negative intensity” among at-risk gamblers due to these factors.
In a survey conducted by GamCare as part of its response, data revealed broad support for a maximum stake limit per spin, with the modal number given at £1 (£2 and £5 also figures given by a number of respondents).
The group also believes mandatory time limits should apply to the amount of time gamblers spend within games, as well as the speed of play across all verticals.
“While there should be strict limits in terms of time and affordability, these should not be different for those “more” or “less” at risk as, ultimately, anyone can become at risk,” the EbE group concluded.
The group also called for any testing lab for UK products to be run by an independent body and not the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), with no new product being allowed onto the market until approved by that body. Similarly, the EbE group suggested all existing games should be subject to prior approval and licensing.
In addition, all gambling products should be classified according to their addictiveness – says EbE – similar to class A/B/C drugs or green/amber/red labelling on food.
UKGC CEO Neil McArthur cited the creation of the EbE interim group as another important step in bringing a wider range of perspectives into the UKGC’s work.
“We will work with the interim group to co-create a formal advisory board, which will allow us to involve EbE more closely in the development of our regulatory framework,” said McArthur.
“It is early days and we are learning along the way to ensure that feedback and advice is utilised in the most effective way. This week we looked at the subject of affordability and we’ll be focused on other areas of player protection online in the weeks ahead,” McArthur added.