During the summer of 2023, the UK Government and Gambling Commission launched consultations on the first round of topics from the UK White Paper to be consulted on ahead of the final implementation.
Kindred Group has now offered its final position on these topics, with the consultations for these proposals now closed, and feedback from the UK Government and the Gambling Commission being the next step in this process.
Financial risk checks
The first topic, financial risk checks, was related to the Gambling Commission consulting on creating a system of financial risk checks that were “targeted, proportionate and genuinely frictionless.”
Kindred stated that it was supportive of a system of financial risk checks, but only where there is a truly frictionless check was possible, which was examined and tested by operators, while also supporting the introduction of the light touch financial check at a £125 ($150) net loss, which Kindred emphasis they already have at registration.
Overall, it disagreed strongly with the proposal for operators to manually review all checks, arguing it would be impractical and unreasonable. Kindred also disagreed with the proposal that would require operators to acquire postcode and job title data from customers, saying it would create friction in the customer journey.
Direct marketing opt-in requirements
For direct marketing opt-in requirements, it has been set out that the Gambling Commission will consult on setting higher standards for operators in relation to obtaining all customers’ consent to direct marketing and promotional offers.
On this topic, Kindred was supportive of the ambition for customers to receive the marketing that is appropriate for them, to improve the customer experience, and introducing a ‘by channel basis’ of opt-in options.
Kindred, however, strongly disagreed with the requirement for companies, like itself, to seek ‘re-approval’ from their customers for communications consent, as it could impact communications with some of its customers.
Online slot stake limits
Finally, concerning online slot stake limits, the White Paper set out that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) would consult on the introduction of a maximum stake limit for online slots of between £2 and £15, with a lower limit for 18-24-year-olds.
It agreed with the lower limit for 18-24-year-olds, but emphasised that it could offer it to all adults, putting extra measures in place for vigilance, policies and monitoring for younger players and those with lower affordability.
Kindred also mentioned its strong view that stake limits should be based on risk, not blanket numbers.
The operator also made the case that the unlicensed market will not follow this, which may lead to players going to the sites with no limits.
