Michael Dugher, Betting and Gaming Council CEO, has released a statement regarding the Government’s promises on financial risk checks.
This follows an announcement that a Parliamentary debate will be held on 26 February 2024.
Michael Dugher, outgoing Betting and Gaming Council CEO (he will become Chairman), said: “Ministers promised Parliament that checks would be frictionless.
“They now need to honour that commitment and will the means.
“At the BGC we supported enhanced checks for online gambling, but have been clear throughout that checks should be carefully targeted on those showing signs of problem gambling, or those who are at risk of harm, so operators can use technology to take swift action.”
The debate was triggered by a petition on the Government website, which passed 100,000 signatures.
Dugher continued: “They must also remain frictionless for the vast majority, as punters have repeatedly made clear they will not submit to intrusive checks.
“The overwhelming majority bet perfectly safely and responsibly, and it is crucial no check is introduced which risks driving these punters to the unsafe, unregulated black market online.
“These sites have none of the standards or protections offered by BGC members and they make no contribution either to the Exchequer or sports like horseracing.”
The first consultations on the financial checks were held in August, but resulted in pushback from several figures in the industry.
Amidst the press coverage, Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, released a post explaining the details of the checks.
These include the parameters of £1,000 ($1,264) in 24 hours or £2,000 in 90 days which would flag a full financial risk assessment.
We recently analysed the end of an era at the BGC following the announcement Brigid Simmonds will leave the body.
