The UK Gambling Commission has launched a new consultation to refine gaming machine technical standards and strengthen consumer protections. The proposed changes include the introduction of five new standards, a social responsibility code, and the consolidation of existing technical requirements. The move is part of an ongoing review aimed at modernising the country’s gambling regulations while balancing industry costs and consumer welfare.
A Push for Stronger Player Safeguards
Under the proposed rules, gaming machines could soon feature additional tools to promote safer gambling. Among the changes under consideration:
- Mandatory time and monetary limits for players
- Improved functionality for these limits
- Enhanced safer gambling messages
- Clearer displays of net position and session duration
The Commission has also indicated that outdated material within the existing technical standards and testing strategies will be removed. By consolidating the current 12 technical standards into a single, streamlined framework, regulators hope to provide greater clarity while aligning machine requirements with existing online gambling standards.
“We recognise that regulatory changes that impact the design of machines can come with considerable costs,” said Tim Miller, the Commission’s executive director for research and policy. “That’s why we’re encouraging gambling businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders to share evidence on regulatory impacts and implementation costs.”
The consultation, which opened on 29 January, will remain active for 16 weeks, concluding on 20 May.
Industry Balances Costs with Compliance
The gambling industry is no stranger to regulatory changes, but adapting to new rules can come with significant financial implications. The Commission’s proposal acknowledges this reality, prompting industry stakeholders to weigh in on the feasibility and costs of implementing the proposed standards.
For operators, compliance means potential investment in new technologies and system updates. This is particularly relevant for retail betting shops and gaming machine manufacturers, who may face redesign requirements if the standards are significantly altered.
However, the regulator is pushing for clarity. The new technical standards aim to align more closely with those governing remote gambling and software, making it easier for businesses to operate under a consistent regulatory framework.
One key issue at play is whether the financial burden on operators is justifiable given the expected consumer benefits. Miller stressed that “evidence will be invaluable in making a robust assessment” of whether the costs are proportionate to the intended safeguards.
White Paper Review: The Bigger Picture
This consultation is just one piece of a much larger regulatory shake-up. The UK Gambling Commission’s latest review is part of its ongoing implementation of the 2023 Gambling Act white paper, which set out major reforms to the country’s gambling laws.
The white paper aimed to address concerns around gambling-related harm, industry accountability, and modern consumer protections. Among the changes already implemented:
- Online slots stake limits: Capped to protect players from excessive losses
- Statutory levy: A new charge imposed on operators to fund research, education, and treatment for gambling addiction
- Gambling ombudsman: A proposal for an independent body to handle consumer disputes
- Affordability checks: Passive financial background checks on players depositing significant amounts
The affordability checks in particular have sparked debate. Since August 2023, operators have been required to carry out these checks on players with net gambling deposits of £500 a month. That threshold is set to drop to £150 in February, a move that some operators argue could deter casual bettors while adding administrative burdens.
The Debate Over Consultation Fatigue
While regulators push ahead with further consultations, not everyone is on board with the approach. Some lawmakers have expressed frustration over what they see as unnecessary delays in implementing long-discussed reforms.
Carolyn Harris, chair of the gambling-related harms all-party parliamentary group (APPG), has been particularly vocal. She welcomed the Commission’s white paper last year but argued that more consultations were unnecessary.
“We don’t need more consultations,” she said in April 2023. “We’ve had two and a half years since the review. We need swift action, immediate implementation of the proposals, and urgent legislative change where it is necessary after 18 years of the gambling industry’s dominance over this agenda.”
Despite this, the Commission has continued to introduce incremental changes. In January, new rules were introduced to curb the speed and intensity of online casino games, including bans on:
- ‘Turbo’ or ‘slam shot’ features that accelerate results
- Audio and visual celebrations for wins that are equal to or below the original stake
- Features that allow multiple games to be played simultaneously
These measures had already applied to online slots since 2021 but have now been extended to include poker, bingo, and other online casino games.
What Happens Next?
With the consultation open until May, the next few months will see gambling operators, consumer groups, and industry watchdogs submitting their feedback. The outcome could lead to sweeping changes in how gaming machines function and how players interact with them.
The key question remains: will the new standards strike the right balance between industry sustainability and consumer protection? While some welcome the additional safeguards, others worry about regulatory overreach and unintended consequences for businesses.
One thing is certain—this won’t be the last time the UK’s gambling regulations come under scrutiny.