UKGC Chief Reports Crackdown Success on Black-Market Gambling

The head of the UK Gambling Commission has shared that their efforts to limit illegal gambling have been effective.

The head of the UK Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, reports progress in fighting illegal gambling. The Commission manages a large gambling sector that's worth more than 15 billion pounds and involves millions of people. One of their main goals is to keep people safe from the dangers of gambling, even though it brings in a lot of money.

Support for Regulatory Overhaul

Rhodes backs the upcoming White Paper to update UK gambling laws. The digital age demands better consumer protections, he says. Key proposed changes to keep gambling safe:

• New rules for designing online slots
• Banning ‘turbo’ and ‘slam stops’ features
• Showing real-time spend and playtime to users
• Control over direct gambling marketing

The UKGC works to make sure people understand what they're choosing when gambling and to reduce advertising that could lead to gambling problems.

Starting in August 2024, gambling places will need to check that customers are at least 25 years old. From November 2024, workers at gambling businesses will also have to meet more rules to get their work permits. The UK Gambling Commission will begin doing simple money checks and looking at the financial risks to keep customers safe.

Cracking Down on Unlicensed Operations

Rhodes emphasizes the success in disrupting black-market gambling. The UKGC has worked with police and other bodies to close illegal operations. Crackdown achievements in 2023:

• 452 cease-and-desist notices issued
• Over 7,000 URLs referred for search removal
• 212 successful disruptions of illegal gambling

The regulator is committed to stopping illegal gambling.

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is tough on illegal gambling and goes after law breakers, even on social media platforms. Their latest plan is to use data to make rules smarter and make sure the National Lottery continues to do well. Looking ahead, the UKGC is working on making its approach to overseeing gambling more effective and keeping the public safe.

The UK Gambling Commission is cracking down on illegal online gambling to better protect players and improve how it oversees gambling activities across the country.