The UK government has released the findings of its gaming machine consultation, and it looks like the status quo will be maintained for casinos. The report recommends that the maximum stake for fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBT) should remain at £100, and that there should be no changes to the rules around casino gaming machines. This news is sure to disappoint campaigners who have been calling for a reduction in the maximum stake for FOBTs, arguing that they are too addictive and can cause harm to players.
The UK Gambling Commission has released a new consultation on gaming machines
Social responsibility measures, which will maintain the status quo for casinos in the UK.
The consultation sets out a number of options for changes to gaming machines and social responsibility measures, but concludes that there should be no changes to the current regime.
This will come as a relief to casino operators who have been struggling in recent years with declining revenues and increased regulation.
The Commission is also consulting on changes to age limits and identity checks for gaming machines, but again concludes that there should be no change to the current regime.
The commission is seeking feedback on the proposed changes to the maximum stakes and prizes for these machines
The consultation, which was launched on Tuesday, will run for 12 weeks and is open to the public.
The Gambling Commission said it is “keen to understand” the impact of the proposed changes on both operators and players.
The body added that it will consider all responses before making a final decision.
Casinos are unhappy with the proposals, which would maintain the status quo
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission has launched a consultation on gaming machines and social responsibility measures, which has been met with criticism from the casino industry.
The proposals would maintain the status quo for casinos, with a £100 limit on stakes and prizes for gaming machines. Casinos had hoped for an increase to £500.
The commission argues that the changes are necessary to protect consumers
The Gambling Commission has confirmed that it will not be making any changes to the gaming machine sector following its recent consultation.
The regulator had been considering introducing a £100 limit on stakes and prizes for gaming machines, as well as changing the way jackpots are paid out.
Casinos argue that the changes will have a negative impact on their business
The UK government is currently consulting on changes to gaming machines and social responsibility measures in casinos. The consultation follows a review of the industry by the Gambling Commission, which found that some casino operators were not doing enough to protect players from gambling-related harm.
The consultation closes at the end of May, so there is still time to have your say.
The consultation is part of the government’s review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures, which was announced in October 2017.
The government has said that it wants to ensure that gambling is conducted in a “safe and responsible way” and that it is “committed to protecting the vulnerable”.