As you might have heard, there have been changes to VIP programs as we know them.
Last year, the UK Gambling Commission detected problem gambling and issues in a lot of VIP casino goers. As a result, the regulatory body decided to implement changes in their execution.
Making Gambling Safer
The UKGC invited 30 of its license holders to join the pledge. Thus, the Commission implemented a series of crackdowns across three core areas. Some of the measures of restriction included:
- Prevention of under 25s being recruited to VIP schemes
- A reduction on intensity of play
- A joint effort to shield children and young people from online gambling advertising
The VIP programs alterations follow the Commission’s initial business plans 2020/2021.
The goal was to prevent persons under the age of 25 to take part in loyalty programs of any type. Furthermore, all clients must go through checks to ensure they don’t belong to vulnerable groups. Finally, all reward programs will need to have audit trails.
Practical Examples
To exemplify the changes, let’s take a look at slots. The Commission demanded a minimum spin speed of 2.5 seconds on all slots. It also required the elimination of all enticing features like slam stops and turbo buttons. Basically, anything that would encourage players to send than they can afford will be removed.
Moreover, the UKGC engaged the Betting and Gaming Council Testing Lab. The final report and decisions will go public in September 2020.
Neil McArthur, Gambling Commission chief executive, explained the upcoming changes.
“We have been encouraged by the progress on VIP incentives, safer advertising and safer products. We set these challenges in order to deliver real and rapid change for consumers in key areas of risk.
“However, it is important these commitments are implemented as soon as possible. It should not take months to implement safeguards many would expect to be in place already.”
Brigid Simmonds, chairman of the new standards body the Betting and Gaming Council, commented as well.
“I am pleased with our members’ hard work and continued commitment to delivering substantial progress on the safer gambling challenges.
“We agree with the Gambling Commission that there is still more work to do. We will rise to the ongoing challenge.”
