Findings Question Effectiveness of Government’s Recommendations
A recent report by GambleAware has raised concerns about the UK government’s gambling white paper, suggesting that its proposed measures may fall short in protecting players from high-risk gambling activities. Conducted by Bournemouth University, the study analysed data from the Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey (2020–2022), involving over 40,500 participants.
The research focused on identifying gambling methods with the highest risk of harm. Key findings indicate that electronic gaming machines (EGMs) pose the greatest risk, with 79% of individuals who scored on GambleAware’s Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) reporting EGM use. Retail betting on sports (excluding football, horse, and dog racing) followed at 71%, and online casino gambling ranked third at 63%.
The PGSI scale, utilised by both GambleAware and the Gambling Commission, rates gambling behaviour on a scale from 0 (no risk) to above 8 (high risk), highlighting the connection between higher scores and greater adverse consequences.
National Lottery Among Lowest Risk Activities
Conversely, the National Lottery emerged as the least harmful gambling activity, with only 19% of participants scoring on the PGSI scale. Scratchcards and lottery games were also the most common combinations among players without reported gambling issues. However, the report noted that an estimated 600,000 problem gamblers participate in the National Lottery, and around 500,000 use scratchcards.
Concerns Over White Paper Measures
GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond has expressed reservations about the adequacy of measures outlined in the government’s April 2023 white paper. While the paper introduced several regulations—some already implemented—Osmond called for stricter actions to address high-risk activities, particularly EGMs.
“No form of gambling is completely without risk,” Osmond stated. “However, this new research shows there are particular types of gambling which significantly increase the chances of harm, affecting finances, careers, and relationships. Some measures in the white paper, such as relaxed restrictions on land-based gambling, could lead to a rise in EGMs in venues. We also believe all players, regardless of age, should face equal limits on online slot stakes.”
Recommendations for Stricter Controls
GambleAware’s report recommends stricter regulations across all gambling types. It emphasised the need for public education about gambling risks, particularly for National Lottery players. The organisation also called for greater restrictions on EGMs and suggested targeted strategies for individuals who gamble heavily.
Other proposed measures include:
- Requiring players to complete standardised assessments of problem gambling when creating accounts and annually thereafter.
- Personalising intervention strategies to suit different gambling behaviours.
- Implementing regulations on loot boxes in video games to mitigate risks, particularly for younger players.
Addressing the issue of loot boxes, the report stated, “The evidence suggests gambling-like practices in video games can contribute to gambling-related harm, particularly among younger individuals. Age restrictions on these features can help reduce early exposure to gambling.”
With high-risk gambling activities like EGMs and online casinos drawing attention, GambleAware has urged the government to adopt its recommendations to bolster player protections. The findings have reignited debate over the adequacy of current and proposed regulations, spotlighting the need for comprehensive safeguards in the gambling industry.
