The UK Gambling Commission, known as the UKGC, has recently introduced some new guidelines and rules aimed at protecting players based in the UK at online casino sites, including slot sites and sports betting platforms.
👉 Before we get started on this article, it's important to understand that there is a scheme called GamStop that has been introduced to protect UK players by way of self-exclusion from all licensed online UK casinos.
Table of contents
- What is GamStop and why is it relevant to UK players
- Key changes in the regulations
- Financial vulnerability checks
- The pilot of frictionless financial risk assessments
- Reducing game intensity
- Improved marketing control
- Stricter age verification
- Role of Non GamStop Casinos
- Advantages of Non GamStop Casinos
- Disadvantages of Non GamStop Casinos
- Comparison of GamStop and Non GamStop Casinos
- Responsible gambling
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What is GamStop and why is it relevant to UK players
Whilst it is not possible for a casino to operate online to UK players without a valid UKGC licence, it is not illegal for UK players to seek non-GameStop online casinos at which to play, but it is highly inadvisable to do so.
The changes are the effect of the government white paper entitled “High Stakes: Gambling Reform for a Digital Age.” Essentially, it's focused on a few key areas, such as reducing the intensity of online games, improving marketing practices so that players are not misled so easily, and attempting to introduce what are known as light-touch financial checks to protect more vulnerable players and also younger players.
The rules are likely to be phased in between August 2024 and February 2025 to give operators and players the chance to get used to the changes.
Some sites offer alternatives to players who prefer fewer restrictions when gambling online, although as mentioned above, we only ever advise that as a UK player, you stick to UK-licensed online casinos.
Key changes in the regulations
Financial vulnerability checks
So in terms of checking someone's financial ability to spend money on online gambling, the UKGC's new regulations include so-called financial vulnerability checks designed to protect players from any gambling-related harm.
🚨 These checks will identify and support any players that may be in potential danger, e.g., anyone with past bankruptcy or unpaid debts.
These checks will first apply to players depositing more than £500 a month starting in August 2024, with the threshold eventually being lowered to £150 per month by February 2025, to ensure operators can detect anyone who might get themselves into trouble gambling early.
The pilot of frictionless financial risk assessments
To further prevent significant gambling harm, the UKGC will pilot frictionless financial risk assessments. These assessments are intended to evaluate the financial risk of customers without affecting their credit ratings.
The pilot will refine the data-sharing processes necessary to implement these assessments effectively. Only after successful refinement and testing will these assessments be fully rolled out to ensure they are efficient and unobtrusive.
Reducing game intensity
The new regulations also target the intensity of online gambling products. The UKGC will ban features that increase the speed of gameplay or give the illusion of control, such as turbo or slam stops.
Additionally:
- autoplay functions
- audio or visual celebrations for returns less than or equal to the stake
- and spin speeds faster than five seconds
…will be prohibited. These changes are intended to make online gambling fairer and to enhance consumer understanding of the games they are playing.
Improved marketing control
From January 2025, all online gambling businesses will be legally required to provide customers the option to opt-in to specific types of marketing and to choose their preferred channel of communication, particularly for receiving bonus promotions like free spins.
This change will give players more control, especially with regards to tempting offers that might otherwise be difficult to refuse under different circumstances.
Stricter age verification
From August 2024, all land-based gambling licensees will be mandated to conduct age verification test purchasing. This measure will require staff to verify the age of any customer who appears to be under 25.
This tightening of the verification process aims to prevent underage gambling by ensuring more rigorous checks are conducted at physical gambling locations.
Role of Non GamStop Casinos
Casinos not on GamStop are online gambling sites not registered with the UKGC’s self-exclusion scheme, GamStop. These casinos provide an alternative for players who seek to gamble without the restrictions imposed by GamStop.
Advantages of Non GamStop Casinos
- Flexible Registration: Non-UK casinos offer a simpler registration process without extensive documentation. This allows players to start gambling quickly and anonymously.
- Generous Bonuses: These casinos often provide larger bonuses with more reasonable wagering requirements compared to UKGC-licensed sites.
- Variety of Games: Players have access to a wide range of games, including slots, bingo, and poker, from major providers like NetEnt and Microgaming.
Disadvantages of Non GamStop Casinos
- Lack of UK Regulation: Non-GamStop casinos are not subject to UKGC regulations, which can impact player protection and dispute resolution.
- Absence of Additional Support Services: These casinos may not offer additional responsible gambling tools such as Gamban or Gamblock.
- Riskier Environment: Players need to be cautious as these casinos might provide a different level of safety and fairness than UKGC-licensed sites.
Comparison of GamStop and Non GamStop Casinos
| Feature | GamStop Casinos | Non GamStop Casinos |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Requires extensive documentation | Simple and quick |
| Bonuses | Often have strict wagering requirements | Generous and reasonable |
| Regulation | UKGC-licensed and regulated | Licensed by international bodies |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Access to GamStop, Gamban, etc. | Limited or no access |
| Game Variety | Wide but regulated | Wide and diverse |
| Customer Support | Strong support systems | Variable support quality |
Responsible gambling
Whilst non GamStop casinos offer flexibility and variety, it is essential to prioritise responsible gambling. Players should be aware of their limits and seek help if gambling becomes problematic.
Tools such as Gamban, GamCare, and NetNanny are available to assist players in managing their gambling habits.
Conclusion
The UKGC's new regulations are a significant step towards enhancing player safety and consumer choice in the online gambling industry. By addressing game intensity, financial vulnerability, and marketing control, these measures aim to create a safer gambling environment.
Meanwhile, non GamStop casinos provide alternatives for players seeking fewer restrictions. However, players must gamble responsibly and be aware of the risks associated with non-regulated sites. With careful consideration, players can enjoy a balanced and secure online gambling experience.
FAQ
What are the new financial vulnerability checks?
The new financial vulnerability checks are designed to identify and support financially vulnerable players, such as those with bankruptcy orders or unpaid debts. These checks will initially apply to customers with net deposits exceeding £500 per month from August 2024, reducing to £150 per month by February 2025.
What is the purpose of the frictionless financial risk assessment pilot?
The pilot aims to test and refine frictionless financial risk assessments that evaluate the financial risk of customers without affecting their credit ratings. These assessments will only be fully implemented after successful testing to ensure they are efficient and unobtrusive.
How will the new rules reduce game intensity?
The new rules will ban features that increase the speed of gameplay or give the illusion of control, such as turbo or slam stops. Autoplay functions, audio or visual celebrations for returns less than or equal to the stake, and spin speeds faster than five seconds will also be prohibited to make online gambling fairer and improve consumer understanding.
How will marketing controls change for gambling businesses?
Starting in January 2025, gambling businesses must offer customers the option to opt-in to specific types of marketing and choose their preferred communication channels. This change gives consumers more control over the marketing they receive, ensuring they only get information about products they are interested in.
What new age verification measures will be implemented?
From August 2024, all land-based gambling licensees must conduct age verification test purchasing. Staff will be required to verify the age of any customer who appears to be under 25 to prevent underage gambling.
What are non GamStop casinos and how do they differ from UKGC-licensed casinos?
Non GamStop casinos are online gambling sites not registered with the UKGC’s self-exclusion scheme, GamStop. They offer a simpler registration process, larger bonuses, and a wider variety of games. However, they are not subject to UKGC regulations, which can impact player protection and support services. Players should be cautious and gamble responsibly when using these sites.
